A MUSIC teacher who has inspired generations of young people has hit the right note after being nominated for a prestigious award.

Julie Ballantyne, principal teacher of music at Port Glasgow High School, is to receive the Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship tomorrow after being nominated by the Greenock club for her outstanding service to the community.

It will be presented at an event at the Tontine Hotel tomorrow (TUES).

The popular teacher, who has worked at the school for 26 years, is humbled at receiving the accolade, which was established in 1957 and is handed out in memory of Rotary International's founder.

Julie told the Telegraph: "I was overwhelmed, I didn't expect it at all and genuinely thought it wasn't for me.

"It's such an honour."

The award is being made in recognition of Julie's contribution to the school and community.

Since joining Port High Julie has been tireless in developing pupils' talents and has given up her free time to help with extra-curricular activities such as a soul band, wind band and junior orchestra.

She has put many pupils forward for Inverclyde Music Festival and takes groups to perform at events during the summer holidays.

She says her job is very rewarding and praised her talented pupils.

Mrs Ballantyne said: "There is a lot of musical talent in the school, we have some excellent musicians and I am very proud of them.

"Some of our pupils go on to study music at the Royal Scottish Conservatoire or at university.

"Teaching music is a lot of fun."

Julie is currently busy rehearsing with pupils for the school show, All Shook Up, which takes to the stage in June.

She said: "A lot of ex-pupils come back to play in our shows, it's like a bigger family.

"There is a real sense of community, even when people leave school they want to help give back to other pupils."

Port High head Gillian Carroll, who will be attending tomorrow's awards ceremony with Julie, says the recognition is well deserved.

She said: "We're absolutely delighted for Julie.

"She has taught at the school for a long time and works so hard for pupils and for the people of Port Glasgow.

"She goes above and beyond and gives up her free time, lunch breaks and after school to support pupils."

Julie was previously one of four finalists in the champion teacher category in the Rotary Community Champion Awards back in 2019.

Her award will be introduced by past president and honorary member of Greenock Rotary Isabel Lind OBE, then presented by Jennifer Jones, the next leader of Rotary International, who is visiting Greenock Rotary during a three-day visit of Scotland before taking up the position.