FOR Swindon's deaf community, Glenn Sedgwick is more than just a teacher.

In the past few years, he has run marathons, trialled new teaching techniques, helped to raise money and awareness and even taken disabled children on holiday to give their parents some respite.

It's no wonder then that he was recognised as our Teacher Champion in this year's Swindon Community Champion awards.

He is a teacher at Moredon Junior School and was nominated by fellow members of staff who recognised his work with deaf children a subject close to his heart as he himself is deaf, using a cochlear implant to go about his daily work.

He said: "When I first heard about it, it was extremely embarrassing as my headteacher announced it in front of the whole school and staff during a special assembly.

"I am really proud to have achieved the award, but all the teachers that I have worked with should be eligible for it as well.

"I am really lucky to be part of such a great team at Moredon Juniors great staff, supportive head and above all lovely children to teach."

Glenn has been supporting deaf charities ever since he left school, undertaking volunteer work with charities such as Sense and the National Deaf Children's Society and now he leads week-long holidays for deaf, blind and multi-handicapped youngsters.

He said: "I try to involve the children in my school with the raising of funds to help these excellent causes. It also raises awareness of different handicaps and disabilities."

Fundraising at school has included sign singing at local supermarkets and running in a mini-marathon prior to the London Marathon.

"The children at school have a lot of fun doing these activities and are supported by their parents," he said.

"People who have hearing difficulties have so much to offer, but the communication barrier keeps getting raised' to stop their potential.

"Technology has moved on extremely well I can now get in touch with my parents via video on the internet which makes it much easier to lip read.

"However, I have just come back from a break in Wales and was miffed to find that my television in my hotel room did not have teletext. Watching The Masters golf without teletext can be frustrating, as you might not know whether a golfer was putting for a birdie or a par.

"Raising deaf awareness in schools and businesses would help solve this. There are thousands of people with hearing difficulties who would benefit from people being deaf aware.'"

Glenn wasn't the only community champion to be recognised for his work.

Five others were recognised for their work in a range of areas including sport and the environment.