WEYMOUTH super-teachers John Hegarty and Adrian Bungay are in the running for top national awards.

The dynamic duo - who both teach at Budmouth Technology College - look set to go straight to the top of the class after scooping places in the South West shortlist for the Teaching Award Trust.

And if they get through to the next round of the competition the pair could be in with a chance of walking away with a national teaching prize apiece.

Assistant principal Mr Hegarty, 49, was nominated by colleagues for the top honour in the community category of the contest for his tireless commitment to outdoor education.

Colleagues reckon he devotes one weekend in three to leading outdoor activities for pupils as well as organising and leading expeditions all over the world for youngsters across the county.

Dr Bungay, 33, was tipped for the science teacher award by his sixth form pupils for being 'a devoted and helpful teacher'.

He said: "I feel very flattered to be nominated by the students, but this kind of award doesn't really fit into my view of teaching. I really see it as a team game.

"All the same, this kind of recognition for teachers in general is something that doesn't happen enough, and it is nice to be appreciated."

Mr Hegarty added: "I was totally surprised to be nominated at all. But I feel very lucky to work in such a good school with really great kids and staff - without them none of this would exist."

Teachers who nominated John - who has worked at Budmouth for 15 years - said they felt he deserved to be honoured because he had 'touched the lives of so many people' with his enthusiasm.

And Dr Bungay, one of just 12 Advanced Skills Teachers in Dorset - was described by his pupils as having a real passion for physics - and passing that on in his lessons.

Principal at Budmouth Dave Akers said: "Obviously we are extremely proud of both John and Adrian for this achievement.

"It is a real honour for them, but it is also an accolade for Budmouth, because it is extremely rare for two teachers from the same school to be nominated for these awards.

"John Hegarty gives so much of his personal life and time for youngsters, not just at Budmouth, but from all over the area. He is one of the co-founders of the Dorset Expeditionary Society and he has helped countless young people to become qualified in outdoor activities.

"Adrian is a fantastic teacher and one of the few Advanced Skills Teachers in the whole of Dorset. He does a great job and the fact that his own pupils have seen that is a great compliment to him."

Both Adrian and John are set to attend a ceremony in Exeter next month at which the results of the awards will be announced.