Did you know that, every day, thousands of dedicated people are involved in delivering high-quality learning in north London?

The STAR awards, fronted by the fashion designer Zandra Rhodes and supported by the actor Robert Lindsay gives well-deserved recognition to those who have made an outstanding contribution to post-16 learning in the community.

With one in ten of the population in England currently studying in organisations like FE and sixth-form colleges, adult and community learning centres, work-based learning and voluntary providers the number of people whose lives are touched by post-16 learning is immense.

In the past, the individuals delivering this outstanding learning and training have not always been recognised for their achievements. From workplace trainers and college managers to administrators, learning and support workers, the STAR awards aims to reward people working in a diverse range of roles. These unsung heroes working within the community provide support and encouragement for learners to truly achieve their potential. They are also essential in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of any learning establishment or workplace.

The STAR awards are by no means just a pat on the back to those who are nominated either the benefits of nominating go far beyond that. The awards not only raise morale, with staff being encouraged to excel in their workplace, but it can help to increase enrolment on courses and can even elevate an organisation's profile and status in the community.

The STAR awards nomination process is open to all. Members of the public, learners, managers and colleagues can all nominate. With 17 prize categories to choose from, including a new Learner's Choice award, you can nominate more than once and across a number of different awards. So why not make someone feel special and say a little thank you by nominating him or her for a STAR sward?

Alongside Zandra Rhodes and Robert Lindsay who are supporting the awards, there are a host of celebrities giving their backing who have all benefited in some way from education in the sector. The actor and writer Stephen Fry; the Olympic boxing champion Audley Harrison; the former British tennis number one turned GMTV presenter Andrew Castle; and the reality TV star Craig Philips are just some of the celebrities who have provided statements of support for the campaign.

Prize category winners will be chosen by an independent judging panel, and will receive a £2,000 cash prize, trophy and certificate at the national awards ceremony that will take place at a prestigious venue in London.

The winning team will receive a £5,000 cash prize, trophy and a certificate.

Nominations can be made online at www.dfes.gov.uk/starawards or by calling the STAR awards helpline on 0800 652 0528 and requesting a nomination form. Nominations close at midnight on April 21, 2006.