A SELFLESS group of volunteers were the focus of an official county-wide awards launch designed to say a thank you to those who give their time for the good of others.

The Kent Volunteers Awards for Volunteering Excellence 2005 began with a gathering of some of thew county's VIPs, including the High Sheriff of Kent Andrew Wells and the chairman of Kent County Council, Cllr John London.

The awards, now in their sixth year, are a unique initiative between KCC and the voluntary and business sectors.

Sponsors this year includie the Kent Messenger Group, The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, Volunteering England, Pfizer, The Environment Agency, Kent Sports Development Unit and The Children’s Mutual, who have all dedicated time and funds to help promote volunteering and, most importantly, those who give their time to do it.

Each year, KCC invites the public to nominate any person, or group of people, who they feel makes a real difference to those around them.

There are eight categories: the arts; the protection and enjoyment of the wild, semi-natural and built environment; welfare and disability; community support and development; voluntary work in education and schools; voluntary committee support and for counselling and advice; mentoring; and sport and the support of sport.

Each nominee will receive a certificate and the award winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Ramada Hotel and Resort, Hollingbourne, near Maidstone, on Sunday, November 27.

The launch event, at County Hall in Maidstone, was attended by previous winners, who were treated to a buffet, drinks and a visit from the scheme’s own celebrity cartoon characters Vol 'n’ Teer.

The event was also attended by chairman of Volunteering England Dr Mike Nussbaum.

Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Carole Kincaid from Kent Volunteers, said: “I think it is important to thank people.

“It is encouraging to others because many volunteers are people who do not seek the limelight but they really do inspire others to think, perhaps, how they could do that as well. That to me is the message - it’s about ordinary people talking to ordinary people about extraordinary things.

“I think the benefit of the awards is that through the publicity it brings volunteering into the loves of more people to read about it and hear about it. By raising the profile of volunteering we can dispel some of the myths.”

Nomination forms are available from Kent Volunteers on 01622 694844 or on www.kent.gov.uk/volunteerawards

The closing date is Friday, September 23.