In today's blog post we're continuing our new series introducing you to our valued sponsors who have made the Teach Portsmouth Awards 2022 possible. We caught up with Mark Waldron, editor at The News, Portsmouth, to find out more about why they are sponsoring this year's people's choice award.

Could you tell us about what The News does and your connection to education?

The News provides the best local and trusted news and information service for the Portsmouth area and that includes shining the spotlight on the fantastic things we have in the city and the brilliant people who make it a great waterfront city. As part of our coverage we have always maintained a focus on the successes of our schools and the achievements of teachers and pupils.

What do the Teach Portsmouth Awards mean to you/organisation?

We love to celebrate success, and providing coverage of the Teach Portsmouth Awards is the ideal way to do this as the premier awards event for the city's schools.

What are you looking forward to from the awards ceremony?

I love reading all the nominations. Not being part of the education sector, these awards give me a fantastic insight into how many people are making a difference to the lives of our children every day and just how much passion there exists in improving education across the city.

What special message do you have for Portsmouth's teachers, support teams and leaders?

You don't enter your profession and do what you do to gain awards and recognition – but please be assured that what you are doing is recognised and the Teach Portsmouth Awards is just a small way of thanking you for that.