IT’S that time in the academic year when we want you to help us celebrate East Lancashire’s outstanding schools, teachers, pupils and support staff.

Since we started the Schools’ Awards we have heard the most fantastic stories of our young people and teachers seemingly achieving the impossible – overcoming huge hurdles both academic and personal by their sheer enthusiasm and hard work.

This year we are again on the look-out for nominations in 11 categories from Primary School Pupil to Lifetime Achievement.

Entries are invited from parents, governors, teachers, support staff, pupils or anyone in the community who has knowledge of a particular school or individual and has been impressed.

All schools based in the boroughs of Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale and Chorley are eligible to enter.

This year Burnley College is the main sponsor of the awards.

A spokesman said: “Burnley College Sixth Form Centre’s main focus is to provide outstanding opportunities for our students to thrive.

“Education is vital for our young people, to ensure they achieve their dreams and enable them to succeed in life, both in fulfilling careers and in building strong personal and social skills.

“As part of our promise to provide the best possible environment for students to exceed their potential, our aim is to provide outstanding teaching and progression.

“Rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted, staff at Burnley College Sixth Form Centre work hard with students to attain consistently high results and top university progression while providing the outstanding teaching and individualised support we are commended so highly for by Inspectors.

“That’s why Burnley College Sixth Form Centre is sponsoring the Lancashire Telegraph Education Awards 2017,” said a college spokesman.

“We want to celebrate the educational achievements of schools, Sixth Forms and Colleges throughout Lancashire.

“We want to use our experiences as an outstanding Sixth Form Centre to encourage Lancashire to lead the way in the education of our young people.

“The future of the North of England relies on a new generation of bright, skilled, innovative and entrepreneurial individuals, and it’s up to us as educational institutions to nurture the important minds of tomorrow.

“Education in Lancashire has much to be proud of. The Lancashire Telegraph Education Awards 2017 is a perfect way to commend and congratulate those who are doing everything they can to ensure the success of their pupils and students and we’re thrilled to be a part of these important celebrations.”

Individuals or institutions can enter more than one category but please make it clear on the entry form.

The winners will be invited to an awards event later in the year where the trophies are being sponsored by Educational Printing Services in Blackburn and Dial a Ride are the drinks and table sponsors.

The last date for receiving entries is Friday, May 12.

Entrants using the official form agree to accept the judges’ decision is final.