Nominations are now open for an inaugural awards scheme celebrating the tireless work of the county’s army of volunteers.

The Kent Volunteering Awards are organised by the KM Charity Team with the help of third-sector support group Stronger Kent Communities, East Kent College, the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner and the KM Group.

The awards aim to celebrate and reward the work of the thousands of people who work selflessly and unpaid every day to provide invaluable community services across Kent, Medway, Bexley and Bromley.

Anybody can submit nominations for either individuals or teams of volunteers, and people are invited to start doing so now.

KM Charity Team chief executive Simon Dolby said: “Volunteers do so much incredible work across the county, helping make sure the wider community benefits from invaluable services, facilities and opportunities.

“And so many groups and organisations simply would not be able to function in the way they do without their input.

“There just aren’t the resources to pay volunteers for their work, but we can say thank you with these awards. And I would urge people to submit nominations now for individuals or groups of volunteers who have impressed them with their dedication and enterprise.”

The awards will champion employer-assisted volunteering schemes; community volunteering through clubs, youth groups and charities; volunteer carers; and health sector and educational volunteering.

The deadline for submitting nominations is October 27. Find out more and submit entries here.