It may be anyone from a brilliant teacher to a school dinner lady, a life-saving doctor to a nurse or hospital cleaner, a member of the emergency services or a fabulous foster mum.

There's even a category to recognise the child who's done most for other children. And our Post Office® Award honours the man or woman who really delivers for kids in your area.

Just click through the links on the left, check through the award categories then, when you're ready, click on the NOMINATE NOW button. Remember, too, that wherever you are in this site you can also nominate someone by clicking on the red 'nominate' button on the right-hand side of every page.

We've also got links that tell you what they'll win - and how you could join in the celebrations too. But for those of you who can't wait, here are the highlights.

2009 presenters: Emma Bunton & Shane Richie

Our winners get:

• An all expenses-paid trip to London and a stay in the five-star Marriott County Hall Hotel overlooking Parliament and the Thames.

• A reception with the Prime Minister and celebrity guests at 10 Downing Street.

• A Gala Awards evening at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London's Park Lane with celebrities on EVERY table.

• A VIP trip on the astonishing London Eye.

• A trip for kids to the brilliant London Aquarium where they can help feed the sharks!

• Oh yes...and our winner in each category will receive £5,000 - with the overall winner, Britain's Children's Champion, getting £10,000.

Brooke Kinsella with Prince Andrew

Last year, our Gala Awards were introduced by HRH Prince Andrew, The Duke of York, who told our winners: "Children's Champions is a celebration of all that’s right and good about Britain.

"We must recognise those who stand up in our society to offer help and care to others, and those who stand up to violence in our communities.

"And that’s what makes all the Children’s Champions so special. The grassroots work you do is the hallmark of what makes us great.''

The people who come together to make Children's Champions work are a unique partnership.

Royal Mail Group staff voted overwhelmingly to make Barnardo's their charity partners. And for their part, Barnardo's, one of the UK's biggest children's charities, have been supporting youngsters since 1866 and now work with more than 100,000 young people in 415 projects across the UK.

The News of the World, of course, has championed the rights and dignity of children since the 1840s - a tradition we are proud to continue now.

Royal Mail Chief Executive, Adam Crozier, is also 100% behind the awards, so generously sponsored by the Post Office.

"Children's Champions is now a firm favourite in the social action calendar for Royal Mail and Post Office colleagues. Having been a judge for the past two years, it is always inspiring to learn about the people who are so selfless in giving to others.

"Awards like this are so important in recognising the incredible role that many people play in supporting children who are experiencing difficulty or disadvantage in their lives.

"Colleagues at Royal Mail Group voted overwhelmingly for Barnardo's to be our major supported charity partner, and I am delighted that this year we are able to use the event to raise money for the charity and to recognise individuals who work tirelessly for Barnardo's young people.''

What's more - these awards are loads of FUN.

Our 2009 Awards, last March, were presented by Shane Richie and former Spice Girl Emma Bunton. And previous acts have included Westlife, Ronan Keating, Rhydian, the Sugababes, The Saturdays, teen operatic sensation Faryl Smith, and McFly.

We'll be announcing this year's acts soon - so watch this space.

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