THE "selfless contribution" made by so many volunteers in the county has been praised by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Allan Willett, in his seasonal message.

The Lord Lieutenant, the Queen’s representative in the county, said: "The voluntary sector – the life-blood of our communities – is thriving."

During the past year, he said, he had been delighted to present three Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service to caring organisations in Maidstone, Romney Marsh and Folkestone.

He stressed: "I also had the opportunity to thank gatherings of volunteers during my community visits to Lenham, Maidstone, Rochester, Goudhurst, Sandwich and elsewhere. In the coming year I will continue to highlight the work of these so often unsung heroes in other parts of Kent.

"The thing that gave me most pleasure was to be able to thank many of them on behalf of The Queen for their hard work and dedication.

He added: "It has indeed been another eventful year for our County. Kent-based members of the Armed Forces – regulars and volunteer reservists – have been involved in high-profile operations around the world.

"The business world has been tackling its 21st Century challenges energetically – and it was inspiring for me to present The Queen’s Award for Industry to go-ahead Sheppey and Thanet-based companies.

"Our Royal visitors, included The Duke of Kent at the County Show, the Prince of Wales who worked non-stop for 10 hours during his visits to Thanet, Maidstone, Chatham and Rochester. The Queen’s visit to troops in Canterbury was another extra special day.

"Over the festive season our thoughts are with those still doing their bit to keep the peace – and with Kent’s emergency services - those caring for others, and those who are ill or alone. I wish everyone the compliments of the season and a happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year."

He went on: "Looking ahead, we face an era of momentous change. Kent County Council and Medway Unitary continue to make steady progress looking after our county’s interests regarding the Thames Gateway and high speed rail link – changes that will alter the face of Kent for ever.

"Independent research confirms that Kentish people identify strongly with our County. We are proud of our history, and rightly so as the vanguard of our Nation.

"I am quite sure that the people of Kent are up for the challenges and will grasp the opportunities and make the best of them. And I am determined that the Lieutenancy should play its part in keeping the wonderful spirit of Kent alive.

"The Lieutenancy is not alone in that aspiration. We work closely with the High Sheriff for the good of the County and 2005 will see the installation of the new Lord Warden.

"Admiral Lord Boyce, former Chief of the Defence Staff, is a most appropriate and excellent choice. He is extremely conscious of the importance of Kent’s history and identity and we are already working closely together.

Looking ahead to major events being planned for 2005, he said: "For the first time I intend to hold a civic service in the Spring to thank all Kent mayors for the excellent work they do.

"It is also the great Year of Victories, and I look forward to leading the people of Kent in commemorating the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the 60th anniversary of VE and VJ Days – and the 200th anniversary of Trafalgar.

"We will be holding major services and parades in Rochester, Maidstone and Canterbury, with the veterans themselves – including those who did their bit on the home front – taking centre stage.

"I hope these events will be commemorated throughout the county with thanks given for the great sacrifices made by earlier generations in the cause of peace.

"To me, these celebrations are not only about looking back. Unless we meet the new challenges and retain Kent and all it stands for we will not have lived up to the ideals for which those generations sacrificed so much."