NOMINATIONS have been flooding in for the unsung heroes who help inspire our children and young people.

Dozens of people working in education have been put forward for The Worcester News Education Awards.

The awards, which we created in partnership with the University of Worcester, celebrate the hard work, quality, passion and dedication we know exist in our nurseries, schools and colleges.

People can be nominated across a series of categories including school of the year, headteacher of the year, special needs teacher of the year or newcomer of the year.

The winners will be announced at a black-tie gala event this summer.

Among those nominated for teacher of the year was Graham Booth, a maths teacher from Pershore High School.

The nomination set out Mr Booth's dedication to his teaching career which has spanned more than 40 years at the same school.

Clive Corbett, the school's headteacher, said: "He has been here for 40 years, as maths teacher, head of maths and assistant headteacher.

"He decided last year to return to the classroom.

"He is a very good maths teacher but what is special about Graham is his dedication to this school over the years.

"In teaching these days, hanging on to good teachers is as big an issue as recruiting them in the first place.

"Graham is a shining example as a person who has devoted his entire life, career wise, to one school and the young people in it."

Among other teachers up for awards from Pershore High School is art technician Laura Dean and support staff Jane Meadows and Sharon Dewdney.

Mr Corbett said: "They really are the unsung heroes and without them the school would fall to bits.

"Laura is absolutely amazing in terms of keeping things ticking over in the art department.

"Jane and Sharon work in the main office and they do everything, computer work, first aid, they just contribute so much.

"When things go wrong the headteacher gets the blame but I also get a lot of credit for great things going on at school.

"But really that's down to the great team I have the privilege to work with and that's why I want them to be recognised."

Nominations are still open and anyone who has any contact with schools or community groups can nominate, whether that be parents, employers working with schools, governors or even pupils themselves.

There is also a Community Involvement Award for groups outside of schools that work with young people and a Fit for Life Award for those promoting sport.

For more information about making a nomination visit worcesternews.co.uk/educationawards/nominate

The closing date is Friday, April 7.