A DEDICATED teacher from St Albans who has worked tirelessly to give young children the opportunity to enjoy music in their lives has been crowned this month's winner of our Inspiring People award.

Jane Cutler, who set up the DaCapo Music Foundation, has been rewarded for her passion towards ensuring children across St Albans, from a range of backgrounds, have access to music education.

For the past 20 years, Jane has volunteered her own time developing the classes and has managed to raise the money needed to expand and develop schemes not only with schools but with other organisations and charities.

Speaking of her delight, Jane said: "This isn't something I've ever thought about, you don't do this to be recognised you do it for the children. I'm so surprised to win.

"Some of the children you work with, you really see them progress and you see their passion. That's the rewarding part of what I do."

The Inspiring People award has been set up by the Review in conjunction with local solicitors Debenhams Ottaway in search of unsung heroes across the district.

Brigid Brennan, partner at Debenhams Ottaway who present Jane with her award, said: "Jane is an inspiring and dedciated teacher who has worked tirelessly for many years to bring music into the lives of children from all backgrounds.

"She has made a real and lasting difference to so many lives and is a very worthy winner of the Inspiring People award."