AN ‘inspirational’ teacher has won £5,000 for new musical instruments at her school.

Sue Mulkern, music leader at Gillibrand Primary School, Grosvenor Road, Chorley, came top in the national Back To School competition run by retailer Musicroom.

The competition aimed to celebrate the nation’s creative and motivational teachers.

Mrs Mulkern was nominated by school mum Catherine Chandler, who said: “Sue ensures every child learns an instrument ranging from percussion for the young to ukuleles and saxophones for older ones.

“These instruments have been bought through fundraising by Sue, and some children would otherwise never have access to instruments due to the catchment area.

“Sue gives up her free time to organise school music events such as The Voice and Gillibrand’s Got Talent. She involves the children in music events locally, playing instruments at the Christmas light switch on and taking the choir to sing to pensioners in retirement homes. Sue is a musical inspiration.”

Mrs Mulkern said: “This award means so much to me. It will develope what I hope for some will be hobbies and perhaps careers playing and performing music.”

As part of the prize, Sue has also been given £1,500 worth of holiday vouchers to treat herself.