A STRONG staff network transforms an ordinary school into an extraordinary one.

To constantly achieve good results year after year takes real teamwork and although teachers are vital, the people involved in any enterprise at the top of its game is made up of a wide range of people all contributing and believing in what they do.

There are so many unsung heroes out there - from caretakers, cleaners, teaching assistants, some of the 9,000 school governors in the country, meals staff, 'lollipop' lady or men....all those people who help schools and educational establishments that bit better.

Last year's winner in this category was outstanding - Louise Catlow's dedication to the pupils at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Barnoldswick wowed the judges.

The teaching assistant had set up a special link connecting primary school pupils in the town with sufferers of dementia living at Cravenside nursing home.

The home had originally approached the school for help to redesign its garden and that led to Mrs Catlow organising dementia training for the pupils and reinforcing their links with Cravenside.

Under her guidance the pupils were designated ‘Dementia Friends’ - the first school in the country to be given the accolade - with the youngsters singing with the elderly, helping out with the garden and also carving pumpkins at Hallowe’en and lots more.

Last year's category was highly contested with many wonderful stories of people going the extra mile. And this year we want more of your nominations for people who help and support our schoolchildren achieve their goals and widen their horizons.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/education_zone/schools_awards/