Big names from the worlds of sport, entertainment, and books are backing the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards 2018.

Celebrities keen to trumpet the county’s top educators include humanitarian author Terry Waite, award-winning children’s author Nick Butterworth, former England Women’s Rugby Union captain Catherine Spencer, and television and radio presenter Nicki Chapman - best known for her stints on Popstars and Pop Idol.

The awards, organised each year by the KM Group's charity department, are open for nominations at www.kentteacheroftheyear.co.uk until March 1.

Categories cover all subjects for primary and secondary school teachers in addition to newly qualified teachers, non-teaching staff, volunteers, and teams.

Anyone can place a nomination including members of school staff, parents, and pupils.

A big reveal announcing the awards’ celebrity supporters for this year’s event was staged at the University of Kent.

Steven Holdcroft, assistant director of the university’s Enrolment Management Services department, said: “We’ve got some fantastic celebrity endorsement this year from people across the county.”

He added: “These awards make an important contribution to raising the profile of teachers and support staff and recognise the inspirational work they do.”

Simon Dolby, chief executive of the event’s organisers the KM Charity Team, said: “We are very grateful to our famous supporters for helping us to raise awareness of the awards.

“They share our belief in the importance of not only good teaching, but also a strong support network of talented individuals and teams working behind the scenes.”

He added: “I hope this will encourage more people to submit nominations and shine a light on the extraordinary yet humble individuals who make such a big difference to their schools.”

Winners will be invited to a prestigious awards ceremony at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel in May.

Judging the entries will be representatives from Kent County Council, Medway Council, Kent Sport, Canterbury Christ Church University, the University of Greenwich, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Medway Youth Trust, Social Enterprise Kent, Beanstalk, CXK, Salus, LoopCR, the University of Kent, and Diggerland.

Follow stories about Kent Teacher of the Year on Twitter @KMCharityTeam and #KMTOTY