WINNERS of the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards will be revealed at an exciting event due to be staged at the Ashford International Hotel on Tuesday, July 17.

Primary and secondary school winners from the 15 council areas in Kent, Medway, Bexley and Bromley will be named, as well the Science Teacher of the Year, Head Teacher of the Year and Kent Teacher of the Year for 2007.

This is the fifth year that the Kent Messenger Group has run the awards. A record 300 nominations were submitted this year with suggestions for awards coming from pupils, colleagues and friends of teachers in the county.

The 2007 prize pack for winners includes a family ticket to the Rare Breeds Centre, Ashford for all 39 education professionals being recognised, giving Kent's top teachers an ideal opportunity to see an attraction that is a firm favourite for trips with many schools in the region.

Julie O'Neill, marketing and events officer at the Rare Breeds Centre, said: "We have strong links with the county's schools. It is very appropriate for us to support this important event by adding to the prize package awarded to the winners."

Joining the Kent Messenger to stage the event are Denne, Kent County Council, Pfizer and Canterbury Christ Church University. A new sponsor to the event this year is Ground Zero Productions who will organise the set, lighting, music and effects for the awards ceremony.

Steve Taft, production manager, said: "This is a great event to showcase the services we can offer. We are thrilled to be involved."

* Schools can receive resource boxes from the Rare Breeds Centre and can also receive themed experiences, including shake trotters with a piglet.

Currently the tropical butterfly tunnel is bursting with colour as butterflies take flight. A new birds of prey collection has arrived at the Rare Breeds Centre, which includes breeding pairs.

For information view www.rarebreeds.org.uk or call 01233 861493.