Voting is now open for the award, which recognises an adult, individual or group who have enriched their lives through a commitment to lifelong learning, who have returned to education and achieved excellence in their chosen field, or who inspires others with their enthusiasm for learning.

Mrs Wright, who provides support for Year 8 students, got through to the final and is now up against two other finalists.

She said: "You don't expect something like this; you just come in and do your job. I think anyone who works with young people tends to go that extra mile for them.

"The best thing is helping them achieve their potential and knowing the input you have helps them have a better future.

"I always tell the students to think about the bigger picture and to think about where they want to be in five years."

Mrs Wright has been working with children and young people for a number of years, starting in Studfall Infants School where she helped with children's reading.

She was then a childminder before starting as a Learning Support Assistant at Studfall and then joining Corby Community College as a Behaviour Support Assistant.

She didn't expect to get the PSO job when it came up but she has been a valuable member of the Student Care and Guidance team since CBA opened three years ago.

You can vote for Mrs Wright until 12 noon on Friday 10^th June.

Voting is easy to do - simply go to Corby Borough Council's website (www.corby.gov.uk) and click on the link on the front page. This will take you to a quick and easy form that will be submitted straight to the Council. Alternatively you can pick up some voting forms from the One Stop Shop, George Street, and hand them back in before the deadline - photocopies will be accepted.