A deputy headteacher went beyond the famous door of Number 10 on Monday at the invitation of Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Anna Flood, nee Jenkinson, 27, of St Peter's RC Primary School, Shoreham, had no idea why she was chosen to be among the 200 teachers from across the UK but believed it could be because of her age.

Many deputy heads are often at least ten years older than her.

However, all the teachers were nominated by education authorities because they are considered to be good at their work.

The informal evening was to celebrate the work of teachers and thank those who had made a significant contribution.