MOST of us can remember individual teachers who made a real difference to our school days.

They were the ones who particularly inspired us to explore, experiment and push ourselves whether it was in English, science, maths, languages, sport – or any subject.

It could be that they brought what otherwise seemed to be a dull curriculum to life because of their enthusiasm and ability to explain complicated ideas.

Or it may be that they particularly encouraged you as a pupil to take part in lessons and express yourself so you gained confidence and came to enjoy learning.

These are the professional and personal qualities this category aims to search out and recognise. Nominations will be accepted for any teacher in an East Lancashire primary, secondary or special school.

Former Ribble Valley head Anthony McNamara, who successfully led St Augustine’s RC High School, Billington, for 18 years, believes the best teachers are those who “recognise that there may be 1,100 kids on the roll but each one is unique and should be encouraged.

“There are plenty of schools where you will see that and plenty where you will not.

“You need to include, in the widest sense, whether it’s lads who are not really sporty and would be hanging about at break, the overweight children, the geeks – if you like – the teachers have got to be imaginative and structure in developing their talents,” said Mr McNamara of Whalley, who is now helping to train headteachers in the Middle East.

As American writer William Arthur Ward wrote: “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains.

“The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”