The unsung heroes of Kent were thanked at the Lord Lieutenant’s annual Civic Service at Canterbury Cathedral today.

The Viscount De L’Isle MBE, who is the Queen’s representative for the county, paid tribute to the hundreds of public servants and voluteers who contribute to communities across Kent.

The service was led by Dean of Canterbury, the Very Reverend Robert Willis, and attended by clergy including the Bishop of Dover and the Bishop of Rochester.

Local dignitaries including the Lord Mayor of Canterbury Cllr Heather Taylor - who read a passage from the New Testament - were among the hundreds of invited guests.

Delivering his speech, the Lord Lieutenant said: “We are here to celebrate the contribution made by the large number of people in public life in the county.

“I am delighted that clergy, magistrates, representatives from the Armed Forces, police, emergency services, and people from voluntary organisations working for the public good are here.

“On behalf of our county I thank you for what you are doing for Kent’s communities. You are doing Kent proud.”

The Lord Lieutenant also discussed the importance of commemorating those who fought in the First World War in the centenery year, and outlined the many remembrance services planned across the county.