Good causes applying to become their local KM newspaper’s Charity of the Year 2018 have the chance to be put forward for an award from the Queen.

The charity who wins coveted KM Charity of the Year status will be considered for submission for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK.

The KM Charity Team will take the lead in consultation with the newspaper editor and if applicable will write a submission for the Queen’s Award on the winner’s behalf.

Simon Dolby from the KM Charity Team said: “We are aware there are a low number of entries and recipients of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service coming from Kent - and we aim to use the KM Charity of the Year selection process to help put that right.

“Not every charity will be applicable and appropriate but where they are we will do our best to champion them.”

One cause will be selected to be KM Charity of the Year 2018 for each newspaper in the KM Group's portfolio including: Gravesend Messenger, Thanet Extra, Kentish Gazette, Medway Messenger, Sittingbourne Messenger, Sheerness Times Guardian, Maidstone Messenger, Kentish Express, and East Kent Mercury.

The winning charities will receive 12 months of support from the KM Group in print, on KentOnline, and on kmfm radio plus access to fundraising opportunities run by the KM Charity Team.

Enter at www.kmcharityteam.co.uk or click this link HERE by noon on Friday, October 27.