A television celebrity, a cabinet member and a leading Kent law firm have announced their support for top teachers across the county.

This week organisers of the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards revealed that distinguished historian David Starkey will be guest of honour at the glittering event in May. He will congratulate the 50 school representatives including support staff and volunteers who will be honoured at the event.

Mr Starkey, columnist and radio and television presenter, said: “Education is the most important thing we can give our children. This is why I’m delighted to be involved with the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards, which aim to make good teaching even better.”

Kent County Council is also keen to recognise talent and dedication in schools and has agreed to back the awards for top literacy teacher and volunteer of the year.

Roger Gough, cabinet member for education, said: “The awards provide an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the fantastic work that is carried out on a daily basis by all school staff.

“The literacy award recognises teachers who go above and beyond teaching children to read and write, coming up with innovative ways to engage them. The volunteer award recognises the valuable contribution that volunteers make to the successful life of a school.”

Mr Gough added: “Volunteers may be governors, or part of Parent Teacher Associations, or come in and listen to children read, or they might share their life story or a skill they have.

“A previous winner goes into a Kent school on a regular basis to do quilting with the students, and another stands at the front entrance to the school every morning welcoming students and their parents as they arrive.”

Long term supporter Brachers Law, a leading firm of solicitors, is among a record number of organisations backing this year’s awards.

Colin Smith, partner at the firm, said: “It is crucial to recognise and celebrate these teaching professionals, who are helping to inspire the next generation.

“We remain extremely committed to this admirable cause and are delighted to be involved for the third consecutive year.”

Other sponsors include Kent Sport, Southern Educational Leadership Trust, William Giles Chartered Accountants, CXK, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Social Enterprise Kent, Project Salus, Medway Council, Christ Church University, the Marlowe Theatre, Leeds Castle, and the following departments at the University of Kent: Politics and International Relations; Psychology; Physical Sciences; Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science; Biosciences; European Culture and Languages; and History.

Simon Dolby of the KM Charity Team, which is organising the awards, said he was humbled by the support.

He said: “We’re thrilled David Starkey will appear as our guest and deeply grateful to all of our key partners including KCC and Brachers Law for enabling us to honour teaching excellence.

“All we need now is for everyone to nominate their favourite teacher or school representative so we can give them the big pat on the back they deserve.”

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