A BANGOR teacher and a Conwy school bursar have been honoured in top awards to find the best in Welsh education.

Gruff Arfon, from Ysgol Tryfan, Bangor, was awarded Outstanding New Teacher at the third Professional Teaching Awards Cymru.

Nominated for his "innovation and inclusive approach to teaching," Gruff was said to "inspire all pupils across the school."

The judges were impressed with Gruff’s innate calmness, and the way he puts pupils at the forefront of everything he does.

He was one of ten inspirational teachers and education professionals revealed as winners in the awards.

Another north Wales winner was the business manager/bursar of Ysgol Eirias, Conwy, Gwyn Jones.

Some 29 finalists from across Wales, were invited to celebrate excellence in education during the awards ceremony at Soughton Hall, Mold.

Welsh comedian Tudur Owen and Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams revealed the winners of the ten categories.

Gruff said: "I wasn’t expecting the award. It’s nice to get recognition for all the hard work with so many other teachers from across Wales. Everyone is working towards the same goal; to improve education for children."

The Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams, said: A huge congratulations to all ten of this year’s Professional Teaching Awards Cymru winners.

"The calibre of nominees was so high that all of those who made it to the ceremony today deserve a massive round of applause for all their hard work and dedication.

"The awards are a testament to the winners’ outstanding commitment to our education system in Wales. When we launched the awards three years ago it was because we wanted to celebrate the professionals dedicated to teaching our children day in and day out, and making our schools great places to learn.

Every year we have the opportunity to celebrate different aspects of teaching.

"This year we introduced the first Youth Work in Schools award, which recognises those who provide outstanding youth work and have an exceptional impact on the lives of young people in their school.

"Our support workers, teachers and education professionals are integral to our education system and continue to put young people at the forefront of everything they do.

All ten winners were presented with bespoke, hand-crafted Griffiths Jones trophies.

To view the full list of finalists and winners, visit: www.gov.wales/teachingawards.

Join the conversation with #TeachingAwardsCymru and see the Education Wales social channels @WG_Education/@EducationWales.