THERE is just one week left to nominate someone in the first-ever Daily Echo School awards.

So far we have received hundreds of nominations but we want to make sure no one is missed out.

This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the people in our communities who help children find and develop their potential.

Whether it is a favourite teacher, lucnhtime supervisor or lollipop lady this competition aims to reward excellence in education.

It is down to members of the public or even fellow staff members to nominate those who make their local schools special.

Nominations are sought in nine different categories and include not only teachers and school leaders but also all the support staff who go the extra mile to enhance the education of young people across Dorset and its borders.

We are now just one week away until the deadline for nominations on Friday, February 5 which means there’s just a few days left to complete the nomination form in the Daily Echo or go to our website, bournemouthecho.co.uk/schoolawards to submit your nomination.

Two local businesses have already signed up as partners for the competition.

Global education company School Business Services Ltd (SBS), which has its head office in Poole, provides professional services to schools across the UK and overseas.

Operations director Sam Curtis said helping schools be the best that they can is the company's number one priority.

“So celebrating the achievements of the inspirational staff that make this happen is very important to us,” she said.

The awards have also struck a chord with Poole’s newest music emporium Freestyle, guitars and accessories in Holton Heath Trading Park which has signed up as a partner for the awards.

Managing director Mark Patrick believes it is important to teach all youngsters how to play a musical instrument and hopes by supporting the School Awards teachers will get the recognition and praise they sometimes miss out on.

there's still a chance to get involved by sponsoring an individual award.

Anyone interested should contact Angela Boyer (sales and events manager) on 01202 411221.