The search is on for Kent and Medway's top teaching staff.

People are being invited to make nominations for the annual Kent Teacher of the Year Awards 2011, which is being held in May at Hempstead House Hotel in Sittingbourne.

The awards were started to mark the vital contribution that teaching staff make to our community.

They recognise the expertise and dedication that is the hallmark of an outstanding teacher.

The event is organised by the KM Group and a number of important community partners including key sponsor Denne.

Ben Green, business development manager from Denne said: "We are delighted to continue our support of the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards in 2011.

"This is an excellent awards scheme, which recognises and celebrates the achievements of teachers across the county.

"We look forward to meeting some of the outstanding teachers who have made a real difference in their schools and to the lives of local children."

Award categories include primary, secondary, newly qualified teacher, teaching assistant, science and technology teacher, head teacher and teaching team.

A panel of judges will select winners from the local authority areas, Ashford, Canterbury, Dartford, Dover, Gravesham, Maidstone, Medway, Sevenoaks, Shepway, Swale, Thanet, Tonbridge and Malling and Tunbridge Wells.

Other event sponsors include KCC, Canterbury Christ Church University, Star Lesson, Network & Cabling Solutions and Southern Educational Leadership Trust.

Nominations must be in by noon on Friday, February 18.

To find out more about the awards and make a nomination go to www.kmcharityteam.co.uk