MORE than half a century of conspicuous service to the county by the Duke of Kent was acknowledged on Tuesday with the presentation of a unique new award.

The Duke became the first to receive The Spirit of Kent Award from the Lord Lieutenant, Allan Willett, on behalf of the people of Kent, following the second annual Civic Service at Rochester Cathedral.

More than 400 local authority mayors, chairmen, and representatives of their charities, together with council leaders, chief executives, and representatives from all town and parish councils Kent-wide attended the service which marks the end of the mayoral year.

In his Cathedral address the Lord Lieutenant said the event was an occasion of thanksgiving for service to our communities.

He said: "The distinguished congregation share two things in common: dedicated service to the community, and a belief in Kent and its future.

"As the Queen’s representative in our county, I know that she would wish me to thank all of you for the dedicated service you give to your communities – and to our great county of Kent."

Presenting the first Spirit of Kent Award at the Corn Exchange after the service, the Lord Lieutenant said the Duke’s family had been inextricably linked to the county since his father was created Duke of Kent in 1934.

Over the past 50 years the Duke had made a wonderful contribution to Kent, making frequent official visits and actively supporting many charitable and voluntary organisations.

The Lord Lieutenant said the Duke had been unanimously chosen by a panel of elected and appointed county representatives to be the first recipient of the award.

He added: "This is not an award made out of courtesy to him because of his title. It is made to him in his own right for the wonderful contribution he and his family have made."

He has worked tirelessly, steadfastly and selflessly – always a good friend to our county."

Responding, the Duke said he was profoundly grateful for the immense honour the award represented.

"All the visits I’ve made and the associations I’ve had with Kent over these many years have been entirely happy and all to do with constructive, interesting, flourishing organisations and bodies."

He particularly praised what he called the county’s magnificent but often unheralded army of volunteers giving their time to run everything from youth football to hospices, saying: "They truly embody the great Kentish volunteer spirit."

He added: "I must say how humbled and honoured I feel that you have selected me to be the first recipient of this prestigious and very beautiful award and let me assure you that I will do my best to live up to it."