JUDGES are sifting through hundreds of nominations to shortlist this year’s best teachers, schools and community groups in the 2018 Worcestershire Education Awards.

The quality of applicants is second to none, and we are busy whittling down to our top three per category, which are due to be announced on Thurs - day, May 24.

Sue Griffiths, events director at Newsquest Midlands South, said: "We are so excited to start shortlisting this year’s top teachers, schools and community groups.

“The opportunity to celebrate these fantastic individuals and groups is so important and I look forward to the big reveal later this month."

And now we can reveal two new sponsor are helping to make these awards possible.

Dominic Tunnell Opticians, in Mealcheapen Street, is sponsoring the Independent School of the Year Award while Spire Healthcare, in Bath Road, is co-sponsoring the Support Staff of the Year Award.

Dominic Tunnell said: "A good headteacher will filter down their enthusiasm through the teachers all the way to the pupils.

"I think that a good work ethic and standards should come from the top. The head - teacher should set an example that the whole school should follow.

"I have always commended my kids teachers and rarely the head teachers.

"So I would like to say thanks and well done to the headteachers."

The winners will be revealed at a glamorous award ceremony on Wednesday, June 20