The finalists of the 2016 ‘Oscars’ celebrating Cumbria’s heroes of education, skills and learning have been chosen.

Judges gathered in Carlisle to decide who should win this year’s Golden Apple awards.

The CN Group Education and Learning Awards are once again supported by the University of Cumbria and the career guidance and personal development organisation Inspira.

Dr Jackie Moses, director of the university’s institute of education, and Mark Bowman, chief executive of Inspira, were on the judging panel along with Kelly Pattison, education reporter at Cumbrian Newspapers. They were joined by chairwoman Marie Whitehead, director of cnevents, part of CN Group.

Dr Moses said: “It has been a privilege to read so many fantastic stories about the impact of education on young people and learners of all ages.

“We as judges have found it very difficult to do our job.”

Mr Bowman added: “The shortlisted finalists give just a small indication of the commitment, dedication and sheer hard work going on within education across Cumbria.”

Shortlisted finalists will be revealed on September 2 in The Cumberland News.

They will be invited to attend a gala dinner at Carlisle Racecourse on October 7, where award winners will be announced.

There are 19 different award categories, with sections awarding staff and learners as well as individuals, teams and organisations.

The awards also look to recognise and reward excellence across all areas of learning, from traditional schools and colleges to informal environments such as youth, sports and community groups.

Cumbrian Newspapers, which publishes The Cumberland News, is part of CN Group.