A PRESTIGIOUS new Spirit of Kent Award has been created to acknowledge conspicuous service to the county and its people.

The award is the initiative of the Lord Lieutenant, Allan Willett, the Queen’s representative in the county.

He said: “The award scheme is consistent with the Lieutenancy aim which is to celebrate Kent, its unique history and culture, serve its communities – and contribute positively to its future.

“The Spirit of Kent will be awarded at the most once annually – and only to someone whose service to our great county has been truly outstanding.”

The award, of capstan form, is made of hallmarked sterling silver, plated in gold, ebony and coloured enamels, and is five inches (125mm) in diameter

It incorporates a replica of the Amherst Brooch, an ancient jewel of national importance made in Kent in the early 7th Century, and the Invicta – ‘unconquered’ – white horse badge of the county.

A panel of people holding significant positions, both elected and appointed, will choose the recipients.

Those on the panel are: The Lord Lieutenant, the Vice Lord Lieutenant, The High Sheriff, the Chairman of Kent County Council, the Mayor of Medway, the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, the Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, the Dean of Rochester Cathedral, the Chief Constable of Kent, and the Chairman of the Association of Men of Kent and Kentish Men.

The Spirit of Kent Award will normally be presented annually by the Lord Lieutenant on behalf of the people of Kent – and for the first time in the spring of this year.

In recommending recipients the panel will look for:

* Excellence in their personal field.

* An exceptional level of service to the county and its varied communities.

* Personal integrity and uncontroversial merit.

* No current involvement in party politics.

The Spirit of Kent Award and the presentation ceremony will be funded in perpetuity by the Allan Willett Foundation and there will be no cost to public funds.

The unique design has been produced by Nigel Cousins, of Kent jewellers and silversmiths T & B Cousins & Sons Ltd, of Sun Street, Canterbury.