If one positive thing has come out of lockdown, it’s the endless acts of kindness shown by neighbours and volunteers to help those around them.

Be it picking up shopping for someone isolating or bringing people together with community spirit, a new awards scheme is looking to say thank you to the ‘shining light’ in your neighbourhood.

Backed by the Kent Messenger, the Compassionate Community Awards 2020 is inviting nominations for its neighbour and volunteer category.

A collaboration between the Heart of Kent Hospice and Maidstone Borough Council (MBC), there are six gongs to give away to people who deserve recognition for going above and beyond during these difficult times.

Alison Broom, chief executive of MBC, anticipates the judges will be spoilt for choice.

She said: “We are aware of probably only a small fraction of the kindness that has been shared between neighbours and people in the same street.

“We’ve seen some fantastic examples of practical support such as people doing others’ shopping or collecting medication, as well as those who provided emotional support by going out of their way to keep others company during isolation.

"In Maidstone more than 5,500 people were advised by the government to shield so people volunteering their time have played a crucial part in helping those who couldn’t go out maintain a good quality of life.

“That’s why we feel it’s so important to thank volunteers through this category because they have been the shining lights of the community.”

“I’m expecting a deluge of good examples to come through, it will be hard to pick a winner.”

Sarah Pugh, the chief executive of the Heart of Kent Hospice, said: “We heard about people creating WhatsApp groups for their street so people could make sure everyone got the food and medicine they needed.

“When I hear stories like this it makes me excited to see the variety of nominations that will come forward for this one because there have been remarkable examples of those who have given everything to help others.”

Nominees must either be living in, or volunteering in, the borough of Maidstone or nearby.

Mrs Pugh and Mrs Broom will judge the entries along with KM editor Denise Eaton.

Other categories are for compassion shown in a business or workplace; in a care or residential home; in a school or by a teacher; demonstrated by a young person or a community.

Click here to fill in the nomination form or alternatively email compassionateawards@maidstone.gov.uk.

All nominations must be received by 5pm on Friday, September 25.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone