Don't miss the Daily Echo's 20-page School Awards supplement in today's paper.

Readers have come forward in their hundreds to nominate people that make a difference in education in Dorset and the New Forest.

And today, all the 27 finalists are featured in a special supplement.

We received more than 600 nominations, which proved tricky for judges Andy Bissell, a Bournemouth University journalism lecturer, PR expert Julie-Anne Houldey and Steve Hughes from the Bournemouth town centre BID.

But they finally came up with a top three in each of the nine categories.

Among those to be recognised are support staff, teachers and school leaders

The results will be announced at an awards ceremony at Bournemouth's Cumberland Hotel next week.