Do you know a teacher who goes the extra mile for their students?

The Local Hero Teacher of the Year award is open for nominations.

Edinburgh Local Hero Awards 2019: Teacher of the Year Linda Bain presented by Micky Gavin from Forth 1 Homerun & Ewen Cameron from Forth 2 Breakfast/Forth 1 Sunday show

Do you know a teacher who goes the extra mile to support their students, or an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to their community as a whole?

The Edinburgh Evening News is searching for exceptional teachers and community champions as part of our Local Hero awards.

Nominations for both awards are open now until September 18, and can be made via www.edinburghlocalheroes.co.uk.

June Horne, winner of Community Champion Award 2019 sponsored by Richard Hall, Managing Director of Lothian

Winners will be announced at a live-streamed event at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa on October 9.

The Teacher of the Year award will recognise a truly inspiring teacher or classroom assistant in primary, secondary, further or higher education, who has made a significant difference to the learning experience of a student or a class.

Teachers play a vital role in our community, and have had to work under exceptionally difficult circumstances to support students and continue their learning from home, even as many faced challenges of their own due to the Covid-19 lockdown.

Last year’s winner was Linda Bain, for her work in the Additional Support for Learning Service in ensuring youngsters with reduced mobility can be confident and independent.

Sponsors of the award Forth 1 said: “Forth 1 is delighted to once again partner the Edinburgh Evening News Local Hero Awards. We are proud to also sponsor the Teacher of the Year award for another year.

“With pupils and teachers currently returning to schools across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife, now more than ever, it is important for us to take the time recognise the incredible hard work, dedication, commitment & enthusiasm of all our teachers.”

The Community Champion award will honour those who have made a significant contribution to the community, or who have supported an individual or family within it.

The award not only recognises, encourages and rewards people who make a difference within their community, but inspires others to do the same.

It will be given to someone whose time, effort, support and aspirations have made a significant contribution within their community for the benefit of those who live there.

The award is sponsored by Lothian.

Communications Director Gaynor Marshall said: ““Following a challenging year for everyone, we are delighted to be part of celebrating a truly inspirational group of individuals and the incredible contribution they all make to our local community.”

Last year’s winner was June Horne, who was celebrated for her Sweet Dignity community recycling facility in Midlothian.

Nominations for the 14 Edinburgh Evening News Local Hero awards are open until September 18.