A Taunton school has been recognised as a technological leader with one of its teachers receiving a major award.

Acting deputy head teacher Mark Ruffett was named the South-West Digital Educator of the year at the South-West Digital Educators conference.

The event, hosted by Plymouth University, promotes the most effective use of technology in primary and secondary education.

Mark has led the school in using the social networking site Twitter, and engaged parents and improved children’s learning.

Each class has a Twitter account, and shares their learning throughout the day with their followers across Taunton and the world.

Mark said: “We’re very lucky at North Town to have such an open-minded and accepting head teacher and governing body.

“Many schools were surprised that we’d been allowed to use Twitter, but with good e-safety our children and staff have thrived.

“I feel honoured to have been recognised for this work, but it’s the hard work of staff and engagement from parents which have made this a success.”

Oliver Quinlan, a lecturer in eductaion at Plymouth University, said: “We’re looking forward to working with staff at North Town to help establish the South-West teacher network, investing in teachers across the region to develop skills which will enable them to utilise technology to impact positively on teaching and learning.”

North Town is looking at how it can continue its use of Twitter and other ways of engaging children in learning.

Year five children next year will have the use of technology with laptops, PCs and iPads available to them at any time.