FORMER pupils of all ages, as well as present pupils and staff, were being invited to nominate their best teacher today.

Nominate A Teacher Day marked the launch of this year's National Teaching Awards.

Past winners locally have included Norma Machell, from Scarcroft Primary School, in York, who was primary teacher of the year in 1999, and music teacher Cathy Roberts from St Aidan's CE School in Harrogate, who was last year's secondary teacher of the year.

Cold Feet star James Nesbitt helped kick off the nominations today.

He said: "Having teachers as parents I've seen the time, effort and pride that goes into the profession. It's a vocation that shapes the country's future and it doesn't always receive fitting recognition. Hopefully, this year we can raise the awareness of the awards and receive a record number of nominations from a wider community."

All nominations have to gain the support of the particular teacher's school before they are forwarded to the awards organisers.

The contest culminates in regional finals, then a televised national final in London.

The winners will receive thousands of pounds for their schools. Lord Puttnam, chairman of the trustees for the awards, said: "These awards are an opportunity for us to recognise the outstanding communicators within the teaching profession and to celebrate the vital role that teachers play day in, day out, in every community up and down the country."

To receive a nomination pack, either telephone 0800 389 8255 during office hours or look on the website www.teachingawards.com