by Vanessa Baffoe

Do you know someone who has thrown themselves into charity work and really made a difference?

Demelza Hospice Care for Children is looking for nominations for its first series of Community Awards.

Individual fund-raisers and schools across Kent are among those being invited to send in nominations for the awards - the first of their kind for the charity.

Listen to Vicki Pickering explaining the idea behind the awards

Demelza, which provides hospice care for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families across Kent, East Sussex and South East London will be hosting the awards evening on May 20 at the Hop Farm in Paddock Wood.

There are 10 categories including Young Fund-raiser of the Year (under 18), Group of the Year and Demelza Fund-raiser of the Year Kent.

Nominations with a short description of why people or organisations should be considered should be sent to the Fund-raising Department at Demelza House, Rook Lane, Bobbing, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 8DZ, by March 26.

Vicki Pickering, Area Fundraising Manager said the awards are intended to raise awareness of any individuals or groups who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for Demelza in the community to help to keep its services running.

"It’s the first community award that Demelza are doing," she added. "The reason we wanted to do the awards is to recognise the hard work and time that some of the people in the community give to Demelza."

More details can be found at Demelza's website or by calling 01795 845 288.