KENT charities can benefit from a £24,000 give-away thanks to CAF (Charities Aid Foundation) and the Kent Messenger Group as part of a new initiative to Get Kent Giving.

We are asking readers to nominate their favourite local good causes. One charity will win £11,000.

Charities can enter themselves or encourage their volunteers and supporters to nominate them.

Judges from the KM Group and CAF will select 10 charities to receive £1,000 each.

These will then go on a county-wide shortlist and we will invite our readers to decide which of the charities should get the top prize of £10,000. The runner-up will get £4,000.

So, if you would like to put forward a local charity, download our nomination form from the link below (under 'Related website') and tell us why by August 19.

Charities must be UK registered. We will also be featuring some of the nominated charities providing an opportunity for excellent publicity for their worthy causes.

Simon Irwin, the KM Group’s editorial director, said: "We are delighted to be piloting this worthwhile campaign, and we hope individuals and businesses will support Get Kent Giving to the benefit of the many good causes in the county."

John Thurley, director of National Giving Week, said: "This is the first time such a campaign has been tried anywhere in the UK.

"We believe the KM Group’s well established commitment to its communities will really make a difference to how people give to charity."

Please send completed nomination forms to: CAF Editorial, Messenger House, New Hythe Lane, Larkfield, ME20 6SG.

Alternatively, email the name, address and telephone number of your chosen charity, along with your own name, telephone number and reasons for your nomination to the Kent Online Editor