Which of these finalists will win at tonight's Daily Echo School Awards?

Here are the finalists for each category - who gets your vote? We'll have the full results online later this evening, after the ceremony at the Cumberland Hotel.

Announcing the launch of the awards, Daily Echo Editor Andy Martin said: "We know there is a huge amount of exciting and hard work going on in our schools every day and we feel that should be celebrated.

"We hope these awards will put a spotlight on the achievements of the people who work at all levels in schools across the area."

NURSERY/PRIMARY TEACHER:

DAVID PAYNE

Dunbury Church of England Academy Mr Payne's "fun and adventurous" way of teaching has transformed learning since he took up his post as Year 5 and 6 teacher in September.

He has fired the imagination of pupils with exciting opportunities, including a sleepover with a 5.30am planet-watching experience.

Pupils were delighted when he transformed a windowless IT room into a Dr Who Tardis and his pupils are regularly treated to his magic tricks and singing.

Nominating him, parent Toya Meadway said: "He creates wonderful learning experiences, he helps groups to develop together and he helps individuals to shine. Mr Payne makes learning fun and adventurous. I am so thankful for what he does for the children."

HEIDI SNOOK: Bournemouth Collegiate Prep School Grateful parent Jo Tasker nominated Miss Snook and said: "I do truly believe that without Miss Snook my daughter would not be alive today." She said Miss Snook pointed out changes in little Molly's behaviour which prompted her to seek medical advice which led to a diagnosis of epilepsy. Miss Snook also remained calm and sought help when Molly suffered a severe seizure and nearly died on the classroom floor. Miss Snook took notes of times and events which proved invaluable when Molly arrived at the hospital. Molly's condition was so serious that her mum was warned she may not regain consciousness.

SIMON HOBBS: Wareham St Mary Primary School "Kind and thoughtful" Simon Hobbs was nominated by parent Claire Burns. She told how he inspired both her sons to learn and both cite him as their favourite teacher.

She added: "Only a couple of years ago he was diagnosed with cancer and took very little time away from teaching during his treatment as he wanted his pupils to have the best education that he could give.

"He also gave up his own time to be a member of the Parents, Teachers and Friends Association, taking a big part in our Alice in Wonderland float in Wareham Carnival and volunteering to be in the stocks at the school summer fete to have wet sponges thrown at him by the children."

SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHER:

JOHN DOVER: West Moors Middle School Parents have praised Mr Dover for his outstanding teaching as well as the way he helps pupils who are experiencing difficulties.

One parent said: "He has been the best thing to happen to this school. My daughter was being cyber-bullied and he was there for her and still makes time for her."

Another said her daughter had issues with bullying and added: "He dealt with them immediately and fairly making my daughter feel safe.

"He is also an awesome maths teacher who pushes the children to live up to their abilities, not to one level across the board. I could never thank him enough for all the help and support."

CAROLYN GODDEN: The Bishop of Winchester Academy, Bournemouth Carolyn runs a centre at the school for a small number of students with communication disorders and has been praised for going "above and beyond" for children and their families.

One parent said: "She fights hard every day to make sure as many students as possible get the help and understanding that they need to enable them to access the curriculum, reach their full potential and manage to make it through each day with their wellbeing intact.

"She is an amazing woman and has made such a difference to our lives."

Carolyn also runs a youth club for teenagers with autism and a support group for parents.

DAVID MASTRACOLA: The Bourne Academy, Bournemouth Both pupils and parents took the time to nominate music teacher Mr Mastracola, described as "an inspiration" and "outstanding teacher and mentor."

Student Chloe Witherington said: "He has helped us, not only in professional ways but in personal ways too. He is a hero to our whole class."

Fellow pupil Codie Ford added: "He comes in over time to make sure our grades and coursework are at the best standard and quality. He supplies breakfast and extra revision sessions in order to make sure we don't go hungry and keep up with our work."

Parents said he is "an amazing, caring teacher and friend" to the students.

NEWCOMER:

LEWIS WATTON: The Bishop of Winchester Academy Science teacher Lewis Watton has proved to be very popular with students. He has received a number of nominations for the newcomer category for his work making sure students enjoy science. Student Megan Watkins said: "He is the best teacher and really funny, plus he seems to know everything about science." Ollie Sidney said: "Mr Watton should win because he makes lessons fun and is very down to earth." And pupil Sophie Green added: "He always helps us and is an incredible teacher. He is passionate about his job and should win because he makes us enjoy the subject. Everyone loves him."

NICOLA HART: St Michael's C of E Primary School Nicola Hart joined St Michael's Primary School as a newly qualified teacher. Her nomination reads: "She teaches a Year 3 class at the school and despite being part-time, she regularly clocks up full-time hours always going the extra mile for her pupils. As well as this she takes her turn teaching Sunday School at West Cliff Baptist Church and by far her most important role is as a mum to four boys. Mrs Hart has an immense pride in her school, is passionate about teaching and really loves and cares for her pupils."

GILLIAN BENNETT-LAURIE: Glenmoor and Winton Academies Gillian Bennett-Laurie joined Glenmoor and Winton Academies last year as a trainee teacher. She is now a newly qualified English teacher and is someone who inspires both pupils and staff. Her nomination read: "Her sunny disposition and 'can do' attitude immediately brightened up the place. She became a very good English teacher very quickly and her students make good progress. But what was really special was the way she enthused them about the subject - encouraging all students to love reading and be creative in their own writing. She also got the school involved in the Burnett News Club encouraging young people to engage with current affairs."

SUPPORT STAFF:

RAY PHILLIPS: Bournemouth Collegiate School School caretaker Ray has been involved with the school since 1964 and such is his connection to the school that he even met his wife, Judith, there when she was working as a House Mistress. Head teacher Russell Slatford said: "Ray is not just a caretaker at BCS. He is constantly helping people out and most definitely has a heart of gold. His involvement has been amazingly diverse and he has given his time to numerous charity events." Mr Slatford said Ray is also involved in school productions and returned to work in 2011 after heart surgery. He added: "Ray has given a life time to BCS, not just in years but with his soul, energy, passion and commitment."

MIKE FITZGERALD: Muscliff Primary School Popular lollipop man Mike Fitzgerald attracted several nominations from grateful parents. Rochelle Goddard said: "He's an absolute treasure, 100 per cent reliable and always Mr cheerful. He is a huge part of the school." Zoe Mills said: "He's always happy. My children look forward to seeing him every day, I can't remember a school day he hasn't been there and always with a smile." Another parent added: "He's such a lovely man who doesn't get the recognition he deserves. When he isn't helping children cross safely he is at home caring for his wife who is elderly and has health issues."

MARK SHELDON: Poole High School Mark's official role is head of the grounds department but he wears many other hats at Poole High. Nominating him, Ian Byrne said he helps students in to school before starting work on the 25-acre grounds. Mr Byrne added: "He will work in rain or shine until our first lunch break where he doubles as a lunchtime supervisor before repeating again for second lunch. Amongst the many things he does voluntarily for the school, he is a first aider, minibus driver, boxing instructor and Duke of Edinburgh trainer. He has just had his first child and he is an absolute star."

ART/CREATIVE

VICTORIA GRAY: Ballard School As Director of Music for Ballard School Victoria Gray has a huge responsibility encouraging children aged between 18 months and 16 years to get involved in music. Her nomination from a fellow staff member reads: "It is no mean feat to inspire and motivate pupils but Mrs Gary does so and makes it appear effortless. Despite the demanding senior management role, Mrs Gray constantly commits to extra hours after school and over many, many weekends to work with her carious music, choral and acting groups to produce many polished performances a year. She runs a busy, focused and forward-looking music department inspiring those pupils who may not be naturally musically talented."

KATE RICHMOND: Carter Community School Outstanding Art teacher Kate Richmond has been nominated by one of the senior management team at Carter Community School. Her nomination reads: "Kate's engagement with the young people inspires them to be creative and they create phenomenal pieces of work which are displayed throughout the school. She has really high expectations of her students but she uses praise to really encourage them to try their best." She has also been praised for her work with new mediums. "When asked to introduce photography into the curriculum, Kate grasped it and worked tirelessly to ensure students had the best teaching. Art results in the school are amongst the best because of Kate's dedication."

PATRICK MATHLIN: Poole High School Patrick Mathlin is Head of Art for Poole High School. He has been nominated by one of the governors for his work "shaping and changing student's lives through education". His nomination reads: "His positive and contagious passion for his subject has inspired a whole generation of students who have gone on to achieve recognition for their talents and skills. Patrick is intuitive in coaxing the very best work from his students. He empowers and champions in equal measure all of his students. He is the one teacher you watch and think 'I wish I had a teacher like you when I was at school'."

TEACHING ASSISTANT

IONA BARTLETT: St Luke's C of E Primary School Iona Bartlett has been a teaching assistant at St Luke's School for more than 14 years. She has been nominated by staff and parents for her dedicated work at the school. One nomination read: "She has been selfless in her commitment to the ethos of the school inspiring pupils and colleagues to reach their full potential in all that they hope to achieve." A parent nomination said: "She was a tremendous support to my daughter when she was struggling with self-esteem and social issues. She is softly spoken, often in the background but the work she does is invaluable."

SUZIE FAULKES: Twin Sails Infant School and Nursery Teaching assistant Suzie Faulkes has been nominated for her work supporting a child with multiple complex needs at Twin Sails School. Her nomination from the parents reads: "Our daughter needs assistance with mobility, written and vocal communication, transitioning between activities, concentration on tasks and toileting issues. Suzie is unfailingly supportive and positive, and gives consistent excellent care and attention to our daughter. As a direct result of the support she provides our daughter is starting to read using phonics, as well as starting to form her letters and write words and is structuring sentences in her speech. She is developing independence in her school life mainly thanks to Suzie."

JAN KEEN-HAUDIN: St James C of E First School Jan Keen-Haudin has been nominated for the teaching assistant award for the work she has done to support a child with a severe learning needs. Parent Emma Looker said: "Jan has supported by son Leland, who has cerebral palsy throughout his time at the school from Reception through to Year 2. She has helped us through all the highs and lows and hoes out of her way to support him by taking work home and attending his physio sessions at the hospital with us. I can honestly say I don't think Leland would have progressed as well as he has without Jan."

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

SUE MILES: Stanley Green Infant Academy Pastoral care worker Sue Miles has been working at Stanley Green Infant Academy for more than 15 years. A parent and friend has nominated her for the Lifetime Achievement award. The nomination reads: "I have known Sue for 15 years when my now 19-year-old started at Stanley Green Infant Academy. All of my children, apart from my daughter who is one, have been through this school and Mrs Miles has been there every step of the way no matter what. Last year she sadly lost her husband but still returned to care for the children as the pastoral care worker. She is the kindest most lovely lady you could ever meet and thoroughly deserves this award."

JENNY SIBBALD: The Priory C of E Primary School Jenny Sibbald has been a Reception teacher for 20 years and she now works at the Priory C of E Primary School. Her nomination from a parent reads: "Despite her two decades of teaching she still has constant enthusiasm and a positive attitude for each and every child and encourages their learning. Every child is happy to go into class and are still smiling when you collect them. She is a credit to the school and should be praised for her commitment to the teaching profession."

CAROL JOHNSON: Stourfield Infant School Carol Johnson qualified as a teacher in 1989 and her first and only job has been at Stourfield Infant School. Her nomination reads: "In the 26 years Mrs Johnson has worked at the school she has given hundreds of children a fantastic start to their education. She has a lovely caring manner and amazing relationships with all the parents and children. What is really noticeable is how much she values each individual child and knows just how to encourage and support each unique personality. Mrs Johnson deserves recognition for her many years of dedication and her never failing smile."

LEADERSHIP

NIGEL HELM: Upton Infant School Nigel Helm is the headteacher at Upton Infant School. He has received nearly a dozen nominations from parents at the school. One nomination read: "Mr Helm's enthusiasm and inspirational leadership make Upton Infant School a wonderful place for our children to attend." Another read: "Mr Helm is an amazing headteacher who always puts the needs of the children first." And another parent added: "He works incredibly hard inspiring and motivating his team of creative and dedicated staff as well as nearly 300 children and their families. He makes school a place where learning is fun and I would love him to know just how much the parents appreciate all he does."

JUDE PERRING: St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Inclusion Leader Jude Perring helped hold St Joseph's Catholic Primary School and the greater community up during a tragedy in 2013 when headteacher Ally Mullany was killed suddenly in a road traffic collision. Her nomination reads: "I have never in my life seen a more strong, determined, focused, warm and kind-hearted leader. Jude is an inspiration to all who come into contact with her." Another nomination said: "Jude held the school and its community up in a time of tragedy. Her selfless dedication and passion for our school shone through as she constantly dealt with grieving children and adults alike."

LEANNE SYMONDS: Purbeck School There were several nominations from parents and staff for Leanne Symonds, headteacher at Purbeck School. One said: "She started at the school two years ago during a time of great change and since then has led the school from strength to strength. She is a fabulous example too all the pupils and encourages them all to achieve to the maximum of their potential. As parents we are extremely lucky to have her and very grateful for the energy she puts into getting results." Another said: "Mrs Symonds has transformed the school into one of the highest achieving in the county and the country.

PE TEACHER

BEN SAINSBURY: Hillside Community First School There were several nominations for Ben Sainsbury, a PE teacher at Hillside Community First School. One read: "Ben is an excellent PE teacher and has an amazing ability to capture both children's attention and interest in learning a new sport." Another said: "The difference that Ben has made during lessons and after school clubs has encouraged all children to join in, get fit and active and has made a real difference to the school." One parent wrote: "All the kids absolutely love him and his dedication and hard work that goes into his teaching needs complete recognition."

SHERYL RAWLINGS: Wareham St Mary Primary School PE teacher Sheryl Rawlings has been nominated for the work she has done to improve sport and fitness education at Wareham St Mary Primary School. Her nomination reads: "Since she has arrived at the school she has given up her lunchtimes, as well as time after school, to host or organise sports clubs every day for the children to enjoy. She has encouraged the children to actively be part of teams which has improved the academic achievement and confidence of pupils. Our school now enters all the sporting tournaments in Purbeck - often reaching county championship level. In one water sports tournament competition we were the only non-Independent school to take part. Before she arrived we didn't even have a team."

MICHAEL PETERS: Baden-Powell and St Peter's Church of England Junior School Michael Peters has been nominated for his work to encourage sport and fitness at Baden-Powell and St Peter's Church of England Junior School. He joined the school after retiring from the Navy in 2000. His nomination reads: "He is a class teacher who has a passion for sport. He has not only developed a range of sport for all interests in the school but has also organised, managed and grown the cross country competitions for all Poole Key Stage 2 schools. This is a busy teacher who gives his own time over and above contracted hours to enable young people across Poole the chance to discover their potential."