NOMINATIONS have started to come in for the second annual Daily Echo School Awards.

Parents, colleagues and family members have all taken the time to put forward those who make a difference in our local schools.

And the latest sponsor to get involved has been announced as the Bournemouth & Poole College.

The college has recently invested in high-tech facilities for STEM subjects - Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths - and has therefore decided to sponsor the STEM Teacher of the Year award.

College Principal Diane Grannell said: "We are very proud to be sponsoring the STEM Teacher of the Year Award as part of the 2017 School Awards. The Bournemouth & Poole College is committed to supporting the STEM agenda in Dorset and sponsoring this award shows our dedication to encouraging future generations to pursue a career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

"Here at the College we have made a significant investment in our own STEM facilities in the last few years to allow students to gain access to the latest technologies. We work closely with many local schools to ensure that students learn the skills they need to thrive in this growing industry."

The Daily Echo is now urging members of the public to nominate in 11 categories

An awards evening will take place at top Bournemouth independent school Talbot Heath on Friday March 17.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, February 3 and afterwards a panel of judges will create a shortlist before choosing an overall winner.

Three people will be shortlisted in each category and they, along with a guest of their choice, will be invited to the awards event.

Extra tickets can be purchased by family, friends and colleagues who wish to support the nominees.

At the ceremony, short films of each nominee will be shown to attendees before the winners are announced.

The Daily Echo is also offering local companies and organisations the chance to get involved by sponsoring one of the categories. There is also the chance to be one of two main partners. For more details, please contact Angela Boyer, Key Account Manager, on 01202 411221

The categories are:

•Nursery/Primary Teacher of the Year

•Middle School Teacher of the Year- new for 2017

•Secondary Teacher of the Year

•PE Teacher of the Year

•STEM Teacher of the Year - new for 2017

•Newcomer of the Year

•Supporting Staff Member of the Year

•Art/Creative Team Member of the Year

•Teaching Assistant of the Year

•Lifetime Achievement Award

•Leadership Award

To nominate someone, either use the printed form or go to bournemouthecho.co.uk/schoolawards to nominate online.