Starring role for Barbara

Mum-of-three Barbara Cooper beat staff from across the UK and Ireland to become one of five people featured in Kumon’s latest television campaign.

Mrs Cooper was nominated for the starring role by her area manager and invited for screen tests before being named as one of the final five.

She said: “I was a bit nervous considering I was going to be on national TV and representing Kumon but the film crew were great. It was actually very enjoyable.”

The advert featuring Mrs Cooper first aired earlier this month and is on screens until Thursday.

“It was very strange to hear my voice in the background,” she said. “I’ve had pupils coming up to me saying they’ve seen me on the telly.”

Mrs Cooper, who bought the Mirfield Kumon franchise last year, will also speak at the company’s national conference this weekend.

“It’s one of the biggest things in the Kumon annual calendar,” she said.

“The fact that I’ve been asked to do that is great for Mirfield and our pupils.”

Mrs Cooper, who runs weekly maths and English tutoring sessions at Christ the King Church, will talk about the success of her pupils and share best practice with other tutors at the conference.