Finalists of the eighth annual Kent Charity Awards have been announced.

The event, which was established in 2015, celebrates the work of small and large charities across the county.

More than 60 charities entered the awards and over 35 trustees and volunteers were nominated.

Judges agreed it was a “tough field of entries” this year.

The Special Recognition Award will be presented to Nora Setterfield MBE, who runs the Thanet Disabled Riding Centre in Broadstairs.

Nora, 83, has run the charity for almost 40 years and currently takes on over 40 clients a week ranging in disabilities and mental illnesses.

The judges wanted to recognise Nora for her tireless commitment to people with disabilities.

The Special Project Award will be given to We Are Beams, who support disabled children and their families in Kent and Medway.

The charity was established 26 years ago by a group of parents and helps all disabled children but especially those with Autism (ASD).

The awards evening wis taking place on September 21 at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel in Hollingbourne.

Susan Robinson partner at Kreston Reeves and KCA head judge said “Thank you to all the charities who entered this year and to everyone that nominated a trustee or volunteer.

“We have so many great charities and volunteers in Kent and are bowled over by the quality of entries and this year we are also delighted to receive applications from charities that have not entered the awards before.

“We are proud to sponsor these amazing awards which were set up to recognise the hard work of charities in Kent.

“If your application wasn’t successful this year, we urge you to come back next year.”

THE 2022 FINALISTS ARE...

Care Charity of the Year: Carers First, Making Miracles, Kenward Trust.

Best use of Volunteers Charity of the Year: Service By Emergency Response Volunteers (SERV) Kent, Pathways to Independence, Demelza.

Disability and Mental Health Charity of the Year: The Fifth Trust, Disability Assist, ADSS (Alzheimer and Dementia Support Services), Spadework.

Large Charity of the Year: AMAT, Kent Wildlife Trust, KASBAH, Demelza

Community Charity of the Year: Catching Lives, Reform Restore Respect, Rubicon Cares.

Children’s Charity of the Year: Curly’s Legacy / Curly’s Farm, Children and Families, Life & Soul, Embracing Arts, Dandelion Time.

Trustee of the Year: Clive Reddihough (Hi Kent), Marilyn Hodges (Young Lives Foundation), Peter Feacey (Ashford Volunteer Centre).

Volunteer of the Year Large Charity: Bradley Russell (Porchlight), Cathy Gundry (Demelza), Bill Hickmont (Kent Wildlife Trust),

Volunteer of the Year Small Charity: Karen Stewart (Young Lives Foundation), Emma Thomas (Hygiene Bank), Gareth Jones (Community Life Savers)

Special Project Award: We Are Beams.

Special Recognition Award: Nora Setterfield MBE.