THE headteacher of a Timperley school, which was plagued with problems and was once labelled 'failing' by inspectors, has just scooped a special leadership prize.

Ann Wood was one of the regional recipients of the BT Teaching Awards.

When she took over at Broomwood Primary School in 1998, Mrs Wood inherited an establishment that was struggling to fill its places.

Bullying was rife among pupils and the buildings bore the scars of years of vandalism.

Ann says she came to the school because she relishes a challenge and adds that winning the accolade came as a total shock to her.

"I was completely shocked because I just feel I'm doing my job. It's not been a hard job because I love the school and I'm very fond of the kids. I knew what had to be done when I first came and I've been busy doing it and overcoming difficulties as they arise.

"It's now a team effort and it seems wrong that I go up to receive an award when I feel it's the whole school, children included, who played a part in our success," says Ann.

With the award comes £2,000 that the school intends to spend on its early years centre and the purchase of computer equipment.

One of her first tasks was to contact Community Services, part of Manchester City Council's probation department, which provided her with the manpower to paint the school hall and repair the leaky roof.

The school raised £100,000 by selling land and this money has been spent on new furniture, replacing the entrance and improving security. New fencing designed to keep out the vandals has been erected and the establishment is no longer a target for the wreckers.

Bad behaviour among pupils has been tackled by a 'zero tolerance' approach to bullying.

Ann, who was nominated for the BT Teaching Award by one of the school's governors, will now go on to the national final in October.