A “stalwart” Sunday school teacher has been nominated as an unsung hero.

Julie Haines, 60, from New Malden, was a teacher in Putney and Battersea for 35 years, and now works as an after-school tutor for an Ashtead-based company.

She has been involved with the Sunday school at the New Malden Methodist Church for 12 years, and took charge eight years ago.

She said: “I have been a member of the church there for 20-odd years and it was a role I felt I could fill.

“I am a teacher and they needed somebody to work with the children. They ask the most amazing questions.

“It isn’t even just funny things, they come out with inspirational statements. It is surprising how much they understand.”

One boy’s question last week, Mrs Haines said, sparked a whole discussion around the issue of equality.

She said: “They come every week – they must be enjoying it. It is just amazing talking with kids and listening to them.”

Mrs Haines said she also helps out at the church’s coffee bar.

Julia Morton, a youth and family worker at New Malden Methodist Church, said she had known Mrs Haines for nearly 30 years, and called her a “stalwart supporter of anything and everything” at the church.

She said: “She is a walking example of faith in action. She is a reliable, helpful, hard working, encouraging volunteer leader of the church.

“She will make a meal for 60 people, or organise it, and she turns up every Sunday to do Sunday school. She is running holidays clubs over the summer holidays.

“‘Colleague’ does not really sum it up. She does it all very quietly and she is passionate about it as well. I think that is very important.”

Do you know an unsung hero? Call the newsdesk on 020 8744 4273 or email jon.sharman@london.newsquest.co.uk.