THIS week, the Leader celebrates the best in education across Wrexham and Flintshire.

The Leader Education Awards, which debuted last year, return to put the spotlight on those making a difference in the region's schools.

Across 13 categories, individuals, including staff and pupils, and schools were nominated for their hard work, dedication and ability to go above and beyond.

On Thursday night, in a ceremony hosted by ITV Wales presenter Andrea Byrne, at the Village Hotel, St David's Park, in Ewloe, the Leader will reveal each winner.

Those in the running include:

• Best Professional Leader - Lorraine Dalton, Ysgol Bryn Gwalia; Lynne Williams, Ysgol Bryn Coch; Alison Wyn-Hughes, Queensferry CP School.

• Early Years - Rossett House Nursery; Little Scholars Nursery; Cylch Meithrin Min y Ddol.

• Primary School - Ysgol Derwenfa; St Mary's Catholic VA School; Ysgol Mynydd Isa.

• Primary Teacher of the Year - Rhiannon Loney, Borras Park School; Lynne McMullan, Ysgol Estyn; Elizabeth Jones, Ysgol Owen Jones.

• Secondary School of the Year - Argoed High School; Darland High School; Ysgol Bryn Alyn.

• Secondary Teacher of the Year - Christopher Lewis, Rhosnesni High School; Matthew Hobbs, Ysgol Treffynnon; Hannah Roberts, Ysgol Maes Garmon.

• Specialist Provision School - Haven School, Mold; Ysgol Maes Hyfryd, Flint; Bryn Tirion Hall, Wrexham.

• Support Worker - Ceris Walker, Gorwellion Newydd; Kevin Whitehead, Ysgol Rhosnesni; Carys Brady, Ysgol Maes Garmon.

• Teaching Assistant - Jo Jackson Wyatt, Ysgol Bryn Gwalia; Laura Armstrong, Brynteg CP School; Alex Scandariato, Ysgol Penrhyn New Broughton CP.

• Wellbeing Award - Helen Jones, Ysgol Plas Coch; Ysgol Min y Ddol, Cefn Mawr; Ysgol Maes y Felin, Holywell.

Winners of Primary and Secondary School Pupils, and Lifetime Achievement, will also be announced on the night.

Susan Perry, Regional Editor, Newsquest North Wales said: "We are really looking forward to the awards evening. The standard of entries this year has been fantastic and truly reflects the amazing people we have in our education sector here in the Leader region.

"Whatever the results, all those on the shortlist should be very proud of their achievements.

"A huge thank you to all of those who have taken part and nominated."