Bromley Extra and Bexley Extra readers are being asked to nominate teachers for this year's KM Group's Teacher of the Year Awards.

It has launched a new category for newly qualified teachers who are in their first year of working in the profession in a primary or secondary school.

The awards were started to mark the vital contribution that teachers make to our community and recognises their expertise and dedication.

This is the sixth year that the Kent Messenger Group has run the awards, which is supported by partners, such as Kent County Council and Gillingham Football Club.

A panel of judges will select winners in each of the 15 local authority areas in the county including Bexley, Bromley, and Canterbury.

The top 30 teachers will be invited to an awards event at the Priestfield banqueting rooms at Gillingham Football Club.

Dr John Moss, acting dean of education at Canterbury Christ Church University, is also sponsoring and judging the contest, said: “As a university that is strongly committed to Initial Teacher Education and continuing professional development, Canterbury Christ Church is strongly supportive of the recognition that excellent teachers get through the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards.”

Pupils, colleagues, friends and family can make nominations on line at www.kentonline.co.uk/teacher or on the forms available in this week's Bromley Extra and Bexley Extra papers. Forms should be submitted by Tuesday, April 29.

For information on the awards contact Jane True at the Kent Messenger Group’s community and charity team at 01227 475966.