Top teacher Cathy picks up her prizes (From Gazette)

Top teacher Cathy picks up her prizes

Top teacher Cathy Mann was treated to a makeover and meal after winning a Braintree and Witham Times competition.

Made-up Cath Mann

Bocking Church Street school year six teacher Mrs Mann, 47, won the accolade last month after taking 40 per cent of the votes. This week she was picked up by Essex Limos and driven first to Feathers salon in Braintree where she had her hair trimmed, coloured and straightened, before heading to Freeport, where she was given gifts of a camping set, Le Cruset casserole dish and suitcases, as well as gift vouchers for jewellery and clothes.

After shopping for holiday clothes Mrs Mann then went for a three-course dinner at Tutti Grille with husband, local councillor David Mann.

Mother-of-three Mrs Mann, who has been teaching since 1981, said: "I've taken a lot of stick from colleagues and children, but it was a very nice day, and the staff were very helpful and friendly.

"When you go shopping you don't always expect super service.

"And I got some nice keepsakes as well."

Other prizes for the top teacher award included £50 of sweets for her class.