The search is on to find the true heroes who helped us through the chaos and uncertainty of the past few months.

Gravesham's community has been amazing during the coronavirus lockdown, coming together to support and help where needed, whether that be shopping, baking, or a friendly conversation.

And now they will be honoured in the Pandemic Hero Awards.

Gravesham council has joined forces with Gravesham Trophy Centre in the search for local people who have gone above and beyond to support friends and neighbours.

Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox, Gravesham council’s cabinet member for community and leisure, said: “Gravesham really has come together as one community over the last difficult weeks.

“It has been heart-warming to see so many people going out of their way to make sure those in need and without a support network have been looked after, or just generally keeping spirits high in their neighbourhood.

“We want to highlight the efforts of local people who have contributed so much and to say thank you on behalf of the whole borough.”

If you know of an individual, a local group, business, or even a whole street which has made a difference nominate them by 5pm on Friday, July 24 via www.gravesham.gov.uk/PandemicHero

The awards will be judged by a panel of community representatives with the winners receiving a personalised trophy courtesy of Gravesham Trophy Centre.

We've featured scores of people making a difference in the community over the past few months, from the tireless work of NHS and emergency staff to the shop workers keeping us fed and key workers keeping the country going.

Other examples include: young rappers GTown Talents who lent their vocals to help raise funds for hospice charity ellenor after it predicted losses of more than £1 million; dental student Charity Tedder, from Cobham, 26, who created a children's book to explain the coronavirus; and Samantha Jackson and Ellen Shaw, both pupils at Saint George's Church of England School in Gravesend, who raised more than £1,500 to support NHS workers with daily challenges, including baking and learning sign language.

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend