The search is on for Kent and Medway's top teaching staff.

People are being invited to make nominations for the annual Kent Teacher of the Year Awards 2012.

The awards were started to mark the vital contribution that teaching staff make to the community and will be held in May at Hempstead House Hotel, in Sittingbourne.

Simon Dolby, from the KM Charity Team, which organises the event, said: "These awards recognise the expertise and dedication that is the hallmark of an outstanding teacher."

The event is supported by the KM Group and a number of important community partners including Denne, Canterbury Christ Church University, Southern Educational Leadership Trust, Network & Cabling Solutions, Kent County Council, Independent Music Productions and Hempstead House Hotel.

Award categories include primary, secondary, newly qualified teacher, teaching assistant, science and technology teacher, head teacher and teaching team.

A panel of judges will select winners from the local authority areas, Ashford, Canterbury, Dartford, Dover, Gravesham, Maidstone, Medway, Sevenoaks, Shepway, Swale, Thanet, Tonbridge and Malling and Tunbridge Wells.

Nominations must be in by noon on Friday, February 17.

.www.kmcharityteam.co.ukTo find out more about the awards and make a nomination go to