A Stirling headteacher has taken home the Teacher of the Year title at the Pride of Britain Awards 2015.

Elaine Wyllie, headteacher at St Ninians Primary School, was nominated for the award following her work on the ‘Daily Mile’ - an initiative she pioneered in her own school almost four years ago and which has now been adopted by over 20 other schools in the Stirling area.

Every pupil, from nursery to primary seven, runs or walks a mile each day around the school's track, which is affectionately known as the Yellow Brick Road. The school's unique approach to children's fitness and tackling childhood obesity has attracted national and international praise from healthcare experts and is now to be the focus of a study by experts at the University of Stirling.

Elaine attended the star-studded Pride of Britain Awards in London on Monday, September 28, to accept the Teacher of the Year accolade, which will be aired at 8pm on ITV this Thursday (October 1). Nine other winners will also pick up awards on the night, including Emergency Services, Outstanding Bravery, Lifetime Achievement, Special Recognition, ITV Local Fundraiser of the Year, Lidl’s Young Fundraiser of the Year, Good Morning Britain Local Hero of the Year, Special Recognition and Child or Teenager of Courage.

Elaine said the Daily Mile has been an outstanding success and is delighted to receive the award: "I am very grateful for this award which came as a complete surprise, and for the recognition of the Daily Mile. The Daily Mile improves the Health and Wellbeing of all children, and all children can succeed, no matter their circumstances, age or ability. It is a joy to see the children come back from their Daily Mile apple cheeked, puffed out and cheerful, ready to focus on their class work.

"I thank everyone in the St. Ninians Primary School community and Stirling Council for their support with the implementation of the Daily Mile and I'm glad to see that so many schools and nurseries across Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Scotland are now doing it."

Johanna Boyd, Stirling Council leader, added: “Elaine’s dedication to her role and passion for the health and wellbeing of her pupils has been evident throughout her time at St Ninians. We are all extremely proud that one of our educators has been chosen to receive this award. Congratulations."