Neighbours who have helped pick up shopping, share hot meals or have become a valued member in the community are being celebrated for their efforts.

The Compassionate Community Awards is back for a third year to recognise those who have gone above and beyond to help others.

Organised by the Heart of Kent Hospice and Maidstone Borough Council (MBC), the awards aim to shine a light on a member in a local neighbourhood who has really made a difference.

The category for neighbour and volunteer is looking for a person who has made a significant impact on their community, to help, support and care for others.

Rachel Street, chief executive at the Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford, said: "It could be someone that makes a huge lasagne, too much for their family, and saves a portion for the people next door, who may not be able to afford a hot meal that day.

"People do these things, without necessarily thinking about it – they do it because it is in their caring nature."

Cllr Lottie Parfitt-Reid, lead member for communities and public engagement at MBC, added: "It could be anybody.

"A lot of people are unsung heroes – they get on quietly and do things.

"It's probably very easy for communities to sometimes take those people for granted and it's about reminding others to put these people forward."

Last year, Sheila Burgman stood out to the judges and won the compassionate neighbour and volunteer award.

After her son, Danny, tragically took his own life in 2003 from an overdose, she came across a national charity called Sobs which counsels families dealing with the devastating loss.

Sheila noticed there was little support available locally, so she started her own branch in Maidstone and has been running it ever since 2005.

During the lockdown, Sheila made herself available by phone 24-hours a day helping families come to terms with the tragedy and now restrictions have eased, she holds regular meetings as well as weekend get-togethers across Kent.

Speaking at the awards, she said: “I feel very honoured and humbled to get the award.

"Running the group meetings and having people come for a chat can help many people, but it is not for everyone.

“Dealing with the aftermath of suicide is a very particular, difficult kind of grief and the one person you want to give you answers can’t do so. In my case Danny had not been having suicidal thoughts.”

Entries are now open and close at midnight on Wednesday, October 5.

To nominate an individual, group or organisation, in no more than 250 words, send in some examples of how they have demonstrated compassion, along with pictures, if possible.

Or you can send a three-minute video or voice recording telling us how they have supported their community. They must either live or work, or have a connection to the borough.

To find out more, and to nominate a group or individual click here.

The winners will be announced and awards presented on Tuesday, November 1, at Maidstone Town Hall.