CHARITIES in East Kent have the chance to benefit from a national award scheme to mark the outstanding voluntary work of chartered accountants.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants makes a number of awards annually to members with a donation of £2,000 going to the charities or community projects with which they are involved.

"The Everybody Counts scheme was established by the Institute to support members involved in voluntary work," said Tony Bennewith, president of the South Eastern Society of Chartered Accountants (SESCA), which represents members in Surrey, Sussex and Kent.

"The awards were introduced in recognition of the huge difference chartered accountants make to their communities by lending their skills to local charities and projects."

Applicants are judged on the basis of time, level of involvement and the commitment they have devoted to a project or charity. Awards are made in four categories: Younger Member, Member in Practice, Member in Business and Retired Member.

The deadline for entries is January 15 and the winners will be announced at the Institute's Annual Dinner in March.

More details are available at www.icaew.co.uk/everybodycounts, or contact Jade Peters on 0207 920 8692 for an application pack.