If you know someone who is a dedicated nurse, now is the time to give them the recognition they so very much deserve.

Best nurse is just one of the categories in the Dorset Echo Care Awards this year and our judges will be looking for someone who promotes the emotional, physical, psychological and social wellbeing of the people who they support.

This category has been included to acknowledge the importances of nurses in the care sector.

The Dorset Echo Care Awards are designed to recognise all individuals and businesses involved in care. Care is not limited to the elderly or the young, life can present challenges to us all and it is those in the care community that help us to overcome these.

The awards will bring together nominations for care provided in the DT postcode sector.

Individuals or businesses are welcome to nominate themselves or anyone that has demonstrated exceptional care.

Three finalists and their guest in each category will be invited to the Care Awards ceremony at Weymouth College on Thursday, March 14 where the winners will be announced.

The winners of each category will receive a trophy and all finalists will receive a day ticket to Weymouth Sea Life. Winners will also be featured in the category winners' coverage in the Dorset Echo and online at dorsetecho.co.uk.

For more information about the event and all the categories, or to nominate someone online visit dorsetecho.co.uk/careawards

You can also email 100-250 words on why the nominee is a deserving winner to debbie.hellaby@dorsetecho.co.uk with Care Awards in the subject line. The category, name, address, website, contact name and telephone number must be submitted with each nomination.

Nominations must be received by February 17.