A science teacher who plays Beatles albums in the classroom has been told by his pupils: "We love you, yeah, yeah, yeah."

Fab Four fan Stuart Reeves has been hailed as the best science teacher in the South-East.

A panel of judges made their decision after seeing Mr Reeves teach a class with a little help from his friends - John, Paul, George and Ringo.

Mr Reeves, who teaches physics at Heathfield Community College, played Beatles songs to explain how different sound frequencies work and look.

It prompted his pupils to nominate him for the BT Teaching Awards 2002.

One pupil told judges: "He has always managed to relate physics to everyday life in a fresh, imaginative manner."

Chris Gully, head of science at the school in Old Heathfield, said: "He has a genius for making the difficult accessible."

Mr Reeves said: "I use a lot of visual aids and a lot of music to help put science in context.

"Beatles tracks are great for showing frequencies. You can clearly hear each different instrument.

"The software we have shows the frequency for each one.

"There were musicians in the class who knew about pitch but didn't understand frequency until then. And who doesn't love The Beatles?"

Penny Jones, of Bexhill High School in Down Road, Bexhill, won the award for teaching assistant of the year.

She said: "The role and importance of teaching assistants is growing all the time. I'm determined to keep building on that."

Not only does she help teach pupils struggling with normal lessons but she also leads a team of 20 teaching assistants.

The judges said: "Penny's colleagues say they and the pupils all benefit from her golden touch - she can make everyone feel valued."

Jo Hedges, headteacher of Court Meadow School in Hanlye Lane, Cuckfield, picked up the award for leadership in a primary school.

Her school looks after 96 children with severe learning difficulties, aged from two to 19.

One of the nominations for Mrs Hedges said: "People want to work for her because she's so supportive."

Mrs Hedges said: "This award reflects the excellent work of everybody involved with the school."

Dame Sheila Wallis, headteacher of Davison High School for Girls, in Seaborne Road, Worthing, won the lifetime achievement award.

She has been at the school for 25 years, starting as a PE specialist and becoming head in 1988.

The school has doubled in size in the past decade, while its A to C grade percentage has risen from 30 to 75 per cent.

The judge's report said: "On meeting her it was apparent she is as excited about teaching now as she no doubt was when she first began."

The winning teachers' schools each receive a £2,000 cash grant and £1,000 worth of computer equipment.

The winners will compete against regional winners from 11 other heats, at the national awards ceremony in London in October.