IT is all too easy to take people for granted.

Those who do good work and spend hours helping others, often do so for little or no reward.

Their satisfaction is gained from knowing they’ve done something to the best of their abilities.

In education, it is all too easy to lose sight of the many great things that are happening here in East Lancashire.

Inspirational teachers getting the most from their pupils; students going way beyond what’s expected of them, schools becoming shining beacons of the community.

All of these exist — and that is why for the second successive year we are launching the East Lancashire Schools Awards.

Quality education is vital — not only for individual pupils and their futures, but also for the area as a whole. Schools are at the heart of our communities, places where pupils of all backgrounds come together as one large family.

So much great work goes on both inside and outside the classrooms and our awards seek to recognise that.

This year’s awards have 11 different categories covering all aspects of school life.

So take some time to read today’s special supplement and make the effort to nominate a person or school who you think deserves the plaudits.