A LYTHAM teacher who has already won a lifetime achievement award for his work in the North West could now scoop the national prize at a special award ceremony in London this month.

Ronald Naylor, from King Edward VII and Queen Mary School, Lytham, is one of 12 regional winners who will be attending the teaching Awards 2000 event at the Dome on October 29. Mr Naylor was presented with the regional award at a ceremony in June, but said he was surprised that he could go on to win the national title.

"I never dreamt that I would make it all the way through to the national final, but now I am really looking forward to it -- with a mix of both excitement and nerves," he said.

"On the night I will have the support of some of those who originally nominated me, and we are looking forward to enjoying the experience together." Mr Naylor, pictured here helping Lucy Blaze and Dermot Crowley in a French language lesson, retired from King Edward VII and Queen Mary at the end of August after 41 years in the teaching profession.

He went to Lytham to take up the head of modern languages post at King Edward in 1966 and he became deputy head of the senior section of the newly amalgamated school in his final years.

Principal of the Lytham school, Julian Wilde, says that the lifetime award is "a fitting finale to a distinguished career."

"Ron has always been the epitome of commitment and loyalty," he said.

"His teaching has been an inspiration to staff and to many generations of students.

"Everyone enjoys learning French a la Naylor."

During his 34 years in Lytham, Mr Naylor has been a senior A-level examiner, organised ski trips, been treasurer of Lytham St Annes Music Circle and an HMG Schools' Inspector.