A retired teacher who dedicated her career to helping children with autism has been shortlisted for a national award.

Bozena Marczyk, of Mill Hill, has been nominated in the ‘individual or educational professional’ category at the National Autistic Society’s awards.

She first began teaching children with autism in 1977 - and then went on to use her skills to train other teachers and set up the Bridge Outreach service.

The 60-year-old, who worked at the Harborough School and The Bridge School, in Islington, was nominated by a colleague.

She said: “I feel honoured to be shortlisted for doing a job that I love. It’s been a privilege to meet so many children and young people with autism over the years and to support them in reaching their full potential.

“Of course, there have been challenging moments, but I can't imagine doing anything else with my life."