Good causes, charities and voluntary groups in Kent have the chance to put their organisations in the spotlight for 12 months.

Applications are flooding in for KM Charity of the Year 2016 which is open to submissions from regional or national good causes until the deadline of Wednesday, October 21.

Each newspaper editor from the KM Group will select a cause to champion for the year. The winning organisation will also receive the backing of kmfm radio and KentOnline - which attracts 1,937,671 unique browsers each month - significantly boosting the charity’s profile and fundraising opportunities.

The cause will be supported by the charity department at the KM Group through collaborative fundraising events including the KM Big Bike Ride, KM Charity Walk, KM Dragon Boat Race, KM Abseil and KM Assault Course Challenge.

Simon Dolby from the KM Charity Team said: "I would strongly advise applicants to start their application forms as soon as possible. Smaller causes have just as much of a chance to be selected as major national charities; it’s a case of crafting an attention grabbing submission.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for charities to put their organisations in the spotlight.”

Causes can get free advice on how to create the perfect KM Charity of the Year application at the KM Charity Team Forum. The event which also includes sessions on insurance, fundraising and grant applications is being staged at Kent Scouts HQ, Lower Grange Farm, Maidstone on Wednesday, October 7.

Visit www.kmcharityteam.co.uk or complete the online form for KM Charity of the Year here or to secure a free place at the KM Charity Team Forum here.