When Ruth Arnold is told of her nomination as Croydon's Teacher of the Year she responds with silence and shock. But she has no reason to be surprised.

For the past eight years she has gone beyond the call of duty to devote as much of her time and support to students at Elmhurst Boys' School as she can, leaving a lasting memory on many of them.

"I'm absolutely shocked at being nominated," said year two teacher Ruth.

"At the same time it is very nice. I do my best to make sure I am available for the boys, and always stop to talk to them when they are walking around the school.

"I have been here quite a long time now and I enjoy seeing the pupils progression as they grow up and mature through the years.

"They come to me when they are only six years old and leave the school at 11 so they have changed a lot in that time."

The 50-year-old was nominated by 10-year-old Donovan Haynes, who despite not being taught directly by Ruth since 2004, says she still gives plenty of her time to him and other children.

"She deserves this award because she is a really good teacher," Donovan said. "She spends extra time with you if you don't understand something.

"I feel able to go to her about my work at all times and she makes sure we are prepared for our exams because she wants us to do the best we can."

Donovan's mum, Carol, echoed her son's praise of the teacher: "She really is very good with the boys. Donovan came from a different school to start that year and she worked very hard with him to get him up to the same level as the other pupils, and gave him any support he needed."