MOST people can remember a teacher from their school days who made a big impact on their lives, and now pupils from the Fylde coast area are being given the chance to nominate them for the teaching Awards 2001.

The Teaching Awards are an independent charity in association with British Telecom and have just kicked off their annual nomination period for pupils -- and staff -- to recommend a teacher for recognition of their work.

The awards celebrate the vital role that teachers play in every community, rewarding their effort and commitment to the profession and their hard work and dedication in the classroom. Categories for nominations include Primary Teacher of the Year, Outstanding New Teacher and the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award.

Both students and fellow staff can nominate a teacher and the nomination must be supported by the nominee and the relevant school, after which the school must approve and forward it to the Teaching Awards.

To nominate a teacher you can log on to the awards website, www.teachingawards.com and request a nomination pack. Alternatively look out for the coupons in the regional and national press. The deadline for completed forms is March 14.