The TV presenter, who grew up in Herne Bay, sent a message of support calling for top educators to be nominated and recognised at the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards 2017.

Now open for nominations, the Escape to the Country and Wanted Down Under presenter joined the drive for submissions and offered praise for the profession: “I feel passionately about teachers, especially teachers from Kent, my home country, we all know the difference they make to young peoples lives and we are very grateful”

Awards judge Rebecca Smith of Social Enterprise Kent agreed: “There is nothing more important than a young child being able to learn and develop and grow and good teaching is so important to that”

The awards are designed to showcase those going above the line of duty to provide children with the best quality education. Categories not only include primary, secondary and newly qualified teachers, but non-teaching staff such as dinner ladies, caretakers, and volunteers can receive an award.

Peter Manser of Kreston Reeves highlights the Business Manager award adding: “Schools now have multi million pound budgets and with the extra pressure on funding today the business manager role is essential for the delivery of quality education.”

Gill Cahill of charity CXK, which provides career guidance to young people in Kent, also called for nominations for the Career Award: “Its important we celebrate staff who are helping young people to identify the careers they might like to do when they are older”

A panel of judges will select winners from each local authority area and the results will be announced at a prestigious awards dinner in May staged at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel, Maidstone. There are top prizes on offer in addition to a limited edition trophy for every overall winner.

Organisations joining the judging panel include University of Kent, Kent County Council, Christ Church University, CXK, Kent Sport, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Social Enterprise Kent, Project Salus, Kreston Reeves, LoopCR, Trust Careers at Medway Youth Trust, Hornby, Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, Kent Libraries, the Mercure Great Danes Maidstone, Beanstalk.

For more information or to nominate, visit www.kentteacheroftheyear.co.uk.