KentOnline is teaming up with estate agent Wards to celebrate and recognise local businesses, organisations and people who have gone above and beyond to support communities and customers during the pandemic.

Alongside our radio station, kmfm, readers and listeners will be able to nominate local businesses in eight categories - before the winners are presented with a High Street Hero award.

Maybe it will be your local store which has stepped up to do home deliveries; your pub which has sold fresh produce rather than pints; or restaurants which have turned their hands to great value take-outs - we want to hear from you.

The eight categories are...

• Butcher
• Cafe
• Community Star (an individual person)
• Farm Shop

• Health & Beauty
• Independent Retail
• Pub & Restaurant
• Tradesperson

All the winners will be revealed online, on kmfm and through our local newspapers.

To nominate, simply visit the special High Street Heroes page at kmfm

All those nominated will then be handed to Wards representatives who will name the winners.

David Lench, group managing director at Wards, said: “We are high street estate agents ourselves so we know the value of a thriving high street for both local traders and the wider community.

"We want to celebrate those going above and beyond in these trying times and do our bit to help support them. High streets are an integral part of UK culture and need our support now more than ever to protect and preserve them for future generations.”

Nominations open today, March 1 and close on March 31. Winners will be announced two weeks later.

Head to our business page for all of the latest news about businesses in Kent