A new prize-giving scheme has been set up to say thank you to all the unsung heroes who have rallied together during the coronavirus pandemic.

Set up by the Heart of Kent Hospice and Maidstone Borough Council (MBC), and backed by the Kent Messenger, the Compassionate Community Awards 2020 are designed to recognise the efforts of volunteers, neighbours, businesses and organisations that have gone above and beyond to support others.

Sarah Pugh, chief executive at the Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford, explained: “Covid19 has really demonstrated the amazing compassion that exists in Maidstone and these awards are a way to showcase that.

“People have done things that really are quite exceptional so it’s important to recognise them as well as we do all the key workers because they deserve to be celebrated too.”

There will be awards in six categories up for grabs.

Nominations are being sought for those who have demonstrated compassion in the workplace and business; care and residential homes; schools; and in communities - such as the work of parish councils.

There will also be awards for acts of kindness by neighbours or volunteers and by young people under 18.

Alison Broom, chief executive at MBC, said: “Some of the things we’re going to be looking for are demonstrations of kindness and new ways people have found to do that.

“It’s the selfless work people have done to help improve the lives of others that will stand out and that’s something we want to encourage to be more prevalent throughout the whole community.

"We see the awards as a silver lining for what has been a really difficult period in many people’s lives.”

Winners will be judged by Mrs Pugh, Mrs Broom, and KM editor Denise Eaton. It is not yet known if a physical ceremony will be held due to the pandemic.

To nominate someone in Maidstone or the surrounding area, send in a few words with pictures, a short video or an audio clip to describe their work, by clicking here.

Entries open on Thursday, July 30 and close at 5pm on Friday, September 25.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone