The best teachers, support staff and school volunteers have been honoured at the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards.

Fifty-one finalists from across the county gathered at an ceremony recognising the inspiration and dedication of those teaching our youngsters.

Guest speaker, the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Viscount De L’Isle MBE, said: “We all know just how important a good education is, and it provides the firm foundation for Kent’s broad knowledge economy.

“The individuals and groups honoured here at the awards are an integral part of building upon this structure.”

Escape to the Country and Wanted Down Under presenter Nicki Chapman, who is from Kent, also gave praise after recording a special message for the finalists.

The awards, held at Leeds Castle, were organised by the KM Charity Team in partnership with the KM Group.

Finalists were chosen from nominations by the public.

There were winners in numerous categories for 10 districts, and then Kent winners chosen for each category.

In Dartford and Gravesham district, Paul Blake from The Leigh UTC, Dartford was named Science, IT and Technology Teacher of the Year Award just 12 months after qualifying.

He said: “I worked as a computer engineer for more than 20 years before I even considered teaching, so to say I’m an older NQT would be an understatement!

“I am so honoured to be named a winner, and I’m ever-thankful to my Year 12 group who put me forward for nomination.”

Other district winners included: Mick Strevens of Stone St Mary’s, Dartford (Volunteer of the Year), Julie Sutherland, of Holy Trinity, Dartford, (Sports Teacher of the Year); Colm Murphy of St John’s Catholic Comprehensive, Gravesend (Secondary Teacher of the Year); Carole Rough, Ifield School, Gravesend (School Bursar of the Year) and Panna Nagar and Sue Munday of Northfleet Nursery School (Early Years Foundation Stage Team of the Year).

Mick, Julie, and Carole were all also named overall Kent winners, with Colm named Kent History Teacher of the Year.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of the KM Charity Team was quick to praise the county’s hard-working school staff.

He said: “Our finalists are gleaming examples of great teaching in our county. Spreading best practice and going the extra mile to ensure the highest quality of learning is something worthy of celebration.

“Schools and pupils will forever benefit from a good education, so we believe it is important to say thank you.”

Award supporters included Kent County Council, Medway Council, Leeds Castle, Southern Educational Leadership Trust, Kent Sport and Physical Activity Science, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Kreston Reeves, Canterbury Christ Church University, KM Group, Marlowe Theatre, Loop CR, Project Salus and the follow departments at the University of Kent: Politics and International Relations; Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science; Biosceiences; European Culture; and History.