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

They were the ones who particularly inspired us to explore, experiment and push ourselves whether it was in English, science, maths, 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 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 teachers in East Lancashire primary, secondary or special schools. Andy Bloor, head of early careers at BAE Systems Military Air and Information Business in Lancashire, said: “Grounding lessons in the real world is key to inspiring young people to learn .”

Mr Bloor is part of a team which has taken its own education roadshow promoting the importance of STEM subjects in science, technology, engineering and maths, to more than 250,000 young people in the past 10 years.

He is also involved in recruiting more than 100 young people to the company’s apprenticeship and graduate programmes.

He added: “Different things interest different people and by understanding the strengths and weaknesses of individuals, you get the best out of them.

“You need to give experiences rather than lecture and it is the ability to do this which defines a truly inspiring teacher.”