GOOD teachers make a difference - they’re the ones we remember for the rest of our lives and that’s certainly the case for the winner of this category.

We want to hear about teachers who have made a real difference to their pupils, school or community.

Or perhaps like last year’s winner they have also overcome adversity to provide a very personal example to their pupils.

Stuart Beaumont was born with Poland Syndrome, a debilitating muscle deformity so he only has the full use of one arm, but has gone on to teach at Longshaw Junior School where he inspires his pupils every day.

We know there are so many inspiring teachers out there and we want to hear more about them.

The category is sponsored by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Cllr Dave Harling, executive member for Schools and Education, said: “Blackburn with Darwen Council is supporting the award for Inspirational Teacher of the Year because we value the impact that teachers who promote excitement, imagination and a love for learning can have on the lives of children and young people.

“There are so many teachers who have made a special contribution in the classroom to the education and lives of their pupils and their future success and who have gone the extra mile in sharing their effort, enthusiasm and talent.

“There will be some tough decis-ions in deciding who to honour with awards and commendations.

“Schools and colleges in Blackburn with Darwen work hard with the local authority to involve pupils in creative and imaginative projects to boost learning and their life chances.

“Primary Engineer, the Big Sing, Linking Classrooms, Darwen Schools’ Celebration of Dance and the trips and visits schools orga-nise are leading to significant improvements in academic res-ults, but also in their enjoyment of learning and cultural life, he said.