TIME is fast running out for children to tell the Bolton Evening News who their favourite teacher is.

We want to hear about your child's top inspirational teacher in our new competition open to primary school pupils in Bolton, Bury and Leigh.

The Bolton Evening News' Teacher of the Year competition is calling on youngsters in the area to nominate their favourite teacher for the title and tell us, in no more than 100 words, why he or she should be chosen. And there are great prizes to be won.

The winning primary school teacher will be treated to a luxury weekend spa break for two at Moorside Grange Hotel. His or her classroom will receive a TV and DVD player, sponsored by ASDA.

And the pupil who gives the best reason for nominating the winning teacher will also get a prize a night of ten-pin bowling with ten friends at Hollywood Bowl.

The awards have been launched to recognise and reward the hard work of teachers, who are often the country's unsung heroes.

The competition is open to all children living or attending primary schools within the Bolton Evening News circulation area.

To enter pupils have to complete the competiton coupon which will be published regularly in the paper until the final day of entry.

Parents can get involved too, by helping their children to write to us, saying why their teacher is so special in no more than 100 words on a separate sheet of paper.

Nominations must be received by June 16, when six finalists will be selected by a panel of judges.

The coupons The awards are being run in conjunction with Asda, who will put ballot-style boxes within their stores in Astley Bridge, Burnden Park, Bury, Horwich, Farnworth, Leigh and Radcliffe, where the form can be posted. Alternatively they can be posted to the Bolton Evening News.

The finalists will be featured in the newspaper on Friday, June 23, when a phone ballot will be launched for readers to pick the winner.