Some of Norfolk's unsung heroes will have their efforts celebrated at an awards ceremony at Norwich Castle Museum.

Nominations are being sought for school governors and governing body clerks from across the county, who go 'above and beyond' what is expected of them.

Norfolk County Council and the Norfolk Governors' Network (NGN) are jointly holding the awards, aimed at highlighting the role of governors and celebrating their dedication to their local communities.

At last year's awards, more than 50 governors and clerks were nominated, with 19 receiving honours for going beyond the call of duty or supporting their schools through periods of instability or change.

A county council spokesman said the awards were so successful that the two organisations decided to run the event again, partly to encourage more people to step forward for the role.

Norfolk has about 5,000 school governors but there are 700 vacancies across the county, particularly at rural schools.

Alison Thomas, the council's cabinet member for children's services, said: 'There are many governors and clerks that go above and beyond what is expected of them and we want to give special recognition to these people – our schools are indebted to them and we want to give them the praise they deserve.'

The awards ceremony is at 6.30pm on June 21 at Norwich's Castle Museum and will be presented by Richard Jewson, the Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk.

Neil Collins, communications officer for NGN, and one of the judges for this year's awards, said: 'Governors play a vital part in the success of any school and we're delighted that the council has decided to support the awards again this year.'

Nominations need to be received by April 8. Nomination forms are at www.ngn.org,uk, and should be sent to Anita Lee, Professional Development Centre, Woodside Road, Norwich, NR7 9QL or anita.lee@norfolk.gov.uk.

For more information about becoming a governor, call 01603 433276. NGN's website is at www.ngn.org.uk.