Families can help their favourite teachers receive the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards.

The county’s annual teaching awards, open for nominations until March 8, will reward Kent’s top literacy teacher of the year.

An ambassador of the event is urging parents, pupils and schools to submit at least one nomination while there is still time.

Sarah Bottle of Kent Libraries said: “Kent libraries are passionate about reading for pleasure, this manifests itself in supporting literacy staff in schools and we want everyone to show their support by nominating”

District and overall winners will collect their prizes at a glittering awards dinner. The event, staged in May and organised by the KM Charity Team, will honour more than 50 staff and schools.

Organisations joining the judging panel include University of Kent, Kent County Council, Christ Church University, CXK, Kent Sport, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Social Enterprise Kent, Project Salus, Kreston Reeves, LoopCR, Trust Careers at Medway Youth Trust, Hornby, Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, Kent Libraries, the Mercure Great Danes Maidstone, Beanstalk.

Simon Dolby of the KM Charity Team said: “You’ve got just a week left to nominate for the unsung heroes of your school. It’s a wonderful way to say thank you for all their hard work and dedication to pupils and families in the community.”

Families can cast their votes and school staff can nominate colleague at www.kentteacheroftheyear.co.uk until the deadline of Tuesday, March 8.