Entries are flooding in for the first Kent Charity Awards.

The awards, backed by KM Group, aim to showcase the work of charities and voluntary groups across the county and will culminate in a gala awards evening for 12 finalists in March 2015.

Charities who have entered so far include Lifelong support for our Forces and their Families (SSAFA) Kent, the only military charity still in existence that worked throughout WW1.

Founded in 1885 the charity continues to offer lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force.

It is joined by the Medway Queen Preservation Society, which has worked for the past thirty years to restore and preserve the Paddle Steamer, the Medway Queen.

With a membership of around 900 people its current major focus is towards the 75th anniversary of the evacuation of Dunkirk, which will be remembered in May 2015.

The Medway Queen was used extensively during the evacuation, having rescued some 7,000 men over 7 trips, which won her the title ‘The Heroin of Dunkirk’.

Large Breed Dog Rescue has also entered the awards. The Gillingham-based charity rehabilitates and re-homes dogs including Mastiffs, Rottweilers and St Bernards.

It is entirely run by volunteers is currently working towards finding a permanent location which has the space to provide a training area, multi sized kennels and appropriate walking areas.

Maidstone Mediation is another charity which has already submmitted its entry. It has four part time staff and 35 volunteers who are dedicated to restoring peace in the community in Maidstone and district and in Tonbridge and Malling.

The volunteers have helped over 1100 families and individuals to understand one another’s point of view and work together to build agreements.

As well as KM Group, the awards are sponsored by Furley Page, Kent County Council, Reeves Accountants, Medway Council, Mid Kent College, Southern Water, Diggerland and Kent Reliance.

Entering the awards is a great way for good causes to gain exposure, increase stakeholder funding and can also be great for staff morale.

If you think that your good cause deserves recognition fill in the entry form at www.kentcharityawards.com or at www.kmcharityteam.co.uk. If you are applying to be KM Charity of the Year you will automatically be entered into the Kent Charity Awards and vice-versa. This gives you two opportunities to have your good work recognised across the county.