Outstanding teachers deserving recognition are being sought for the 2018 Essex Teaching Awards.

Pupils, parents and staff are being asked to nominate those who have gone the extra mile as the new academic year gets underway.

Essex County Council’s annual awards includes categories from new teachers to the lifetime achievement award.

Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for education, said: “Teachers and school staff play a vital role in the lives of children and young people in Essex.

“These awards provide an ideal opportunity to acknowledge their commitment and hard work, and are another example of how we are supporting schools with the recruitment and retention of teachers.

“Whether you work in a school yourself or are a governor, pupil or parent, I would encourage you to think about the excellent contributions made by school staff last year and nominate anyone you feel is deserving of an award.”

Nominations will close on Friday, November 17, 2017 with the awards held in February. Go to www.essex.gov.uk/teachingawards