Age Concern at the Mackenney Centre in Woodlands Road, Gillingham has been put forward for all the categories in the awards.

The centre provides social and learning opportunities, health services, hot meals and a wide variety of activities for elderly people living in Gillingham.

Frank Gaisford of Portland Road, Gillingham, nominated the centre for the awards.

He said: "My wife passed away in November, 2000, and I lived alone until I joined the centre in January, 2001.

"It was very rewarding finding the centre, making new friends and experiencing all the care provided.

"The priority of staff at the centre is care and safety towards us. Nothing is too much trouble.

"We get picked up in the morning and dropped back home in the late afternoon by the centre's mini buses.

"At Christmas we have dinner parties and in the summer the centre arranges outings and even an annual holiday to Eastbourne."

Jackie Williams, who works at the centre, said: "We are delighted to have been nominated. Our aim at the centre is to enhance the lives of elderly people in order that they fulfil their potential.

"It's very satisfying helping people within the Gillingham community, but it's important that our work is recognised. The elderly population is always increasing. They are often overlooked and become isolated. We need more volunteers to ensure the elderly get the best quality of life possible."