A special awards ceremony recognising those that go above and beyond the call of duty in some of the county's top family businesses has taken place.

The first Kent's Unsung Heroes awards night took place at the Mount Vineyard in Shoreham, near Sevenoaks.

Hosted by Family Business Place, a UK network for family-owned businesses, special guest speaker was Geraldine Allinson, chairman of the KM Media Group.

Among the winners were Kits Coty Glamping, Newton Waterproofing, FM Conway and Bedfont Scientific.

Anita Brightley-Hodges, chairman of Family Business Place, said: "Kent is bursting with successful, innovative family firms. But they wouldn't be where they are today without the commitment of their incredible people.

"Those who are up with the lark to drive the vans, apprentices working from the bottom up, office managers who keep everyone organised and engaged. We're delighted we could provide a platform whereby the businesses could nominate their unsung heroes and show how much they are valued and appreciated."

Geraldine Allinson, whose family have been in publishing for 128 years, added: "It was an honour and a privilege to speak and give out trophies at Kent's Unsung Heroes Awards 2018. Congratulations to all the winners, great family business stories."