EAST Lancashire’s council leaders and MPs have voiced their support of this year’s Lancashire Telegraph’s Schools Awards.

The region’s top teachers and students will be honoured in the awards which have been launched in a drive to recognise the hard work and commitment put into developing the region’s youngsters every day.

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The awards, which celebrate all the good work and dedication in East Lancashire schools, also highlight the innovation and best practice across the area.

This year, we are on the look-out for nominations for 11 categories, with Special School Pupil of the Year a new award for 2015.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, said: “It’s important to support these awards as we have some amazing teaching staff in East Lancashire.”

Cllr Stuart Hirst, the leader of Ribble Valley Borough Council, said: “We have a high level of quality teaching across the area and if we are to succeed in the world we need to make sure that we value this profession.”

Pendle Council leader Cllr Joe Cooney said: “This is a great way to recognise the outstanding education staff we have in East Lancashire.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase the best of schools.

“I have a few friends who are teachers and I know that it is not an easy job.”

Awards include most inspirational teacher, unsung hero, best primary and best secondary headteachers.

Nominations for the awards are also being taken for outstanding primary and secondary pupils and the best schools.

Headteachers, and anyone else associated with a school, can nominate their own school.

There will also be a lifetime achievement award.

Email entries to: educa tionawards@nqnw.co.uk or post to Lancashire Tel egraph Schools Awards, Edi torial, Newspaper House, High Street, Blackburn, Lancashire BB1 1HT. The deadline is Friday, May 22.

Individuals or institutions can enter more than one category but this should be made clear on the entry form available at www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/education_zone/schools_awards/.