IN more than 25 years as a teacher, Janet Gilbert has seen it all, working in secondary and primary schools. Such is her dedication, she often works well into the evening and even during the holidays.

And now her 17-year-old daughter Frances is putting her forward for the Pride of East Lancashire Awards in the Outstanding Vocational Worker category.

Frances is proud of her mum, who teaches Year Two at Rosewood Primary School in Burnley, and her hard work and dedication.

She said: "My mum wanted to become a teacher because of her love of children, education and her love of helping others. She wanted to pass on her joyful experience of learning to her pupils and she takes pleasure in bringing out the best in them.

"She leaves home at 8am and returns at 5pm to start planning, marking and assessing until the early hours of the morning. She is dedicated and hard-working beyond the call of duty.

"To those who believe that teaching is an easy job because of the holidays, I beg to differ, because my mum works through the holidays, going into school, and recently spent half-term writing reports.

"She touches and changes her pupils' lives and people often approach me and say what a fantastic person and teacher she is."

Frances, who lives with her mum on Westbourne Avenue South and goes to Blackburn College, said despite all the hard work, Janet, who used to teach at West Craven High School, Barnoldswick, still finds time to be an excellent mother.

The Outstanding Vocational Worker award recognises men and women in East Lancashire who go that extra mile and excel in their workplace.

Sponsored by Fraser Eagle, it gives you the chance to nominate a colleague, relative or friend who takes the time to put in that extra effort. You can even nominate yourself.

Nominations could include health workers, members of the emergency services, men and women who serve in the armed forces, people who work in the community -- anyone who works extra hard to benefit others.

The winner will receive a £2,000 holiday and £1,000 cash. This will be presented at a glittering awards night at King George's Hall, Blackburn on November 22.

The winner and two runners-up will also receive trophies.

Nominations for all 11 Pride of East Lancashire awards must be received by September 30.