Time’s running out to nominate in the Kent Literacy Awards and help to ‘keep literacy heritage alive’.

The awards shine a spotlight on the school projects that are boosting pupils’ ability to read, write, listen and speak with confidence.

The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, April 28.

Bethany Taylor of The Canterbury Tales, which is backing the event, said: “We believe in the importance of promoting literacy skills in children. Sparking an interest in these areas keeps literary heritage such as Geoffrey Chaucer’s ‘The Canterbury Tales’ alive.

“The awards recognise the great work that schools are doing across the county and encourage others to get involved.”

The 18 categories include best school library, best writing topic, best use of drama, and best book week theme.

Pupils, parents or school staff can put forward the top schemes at their school for an award. The winning schemes will be published and distributed to schools across Kent, Medway and Bexley.

Simon Dolby of the Kent Literacy Awards said: “Winning an award is a real pat on the back to the school as well as a wonderful opportunity to share best practice.”

The winners will be revealed at an awards celebration held at Hempstead House Hotel, Sittingbourne on Tuesday, June 23.

The awards are supported by Kent County Council, Medway Council, Orbit South, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Three R's Teacher Recruitment, Specsavers, Mini Babybel, Leeds Castle, Beanstalk, Clarkson Wright and Jakes Ltd, Canterbury Tales, Social Enterprise Kent and Southern Educational Leadership Trust.

To nominate, visit www.kmcharityteam.co.uk and click on the ‘Kent Literacy Awards’ link before April 28.