KENT brewer Shepherd Neame has been praised for its backing of the KM Big Quiz.

Kent Messenger media group chairman Geraldine Allinson presented an engraved salver to Jonathan Neame, chief executive of Shepherd Neame, as a thank you for the brewery’s continued support for the county's biggest wine and wisdom evenings.

The Faversham brewery has agreed to back Kent’s Big Quiz events again in 2007, continuing its support of the fund-raising events for the past four years.

Shepherd Neame has supplied its Spitfire Charity Bar at Big Quiz heats and hosted the county final involving the top two teams for each heat at the Court Street brewery in December.

Geraldine Allinson said: "The Big Quiz raises approximately £20,000 each year for good causes, selected by KM editors. In 2007, the four quiz heats will each select four good causes to benefit.

"We’re delighted that, once again, Shepherd Neame has been willing to provide us with its support, both in terms of a venue for the final and refreshments during the events."

Jonathan Neame said: "The KM Big Quiz is a superb community effort which raises a great deal of money for worthy causes as well as providing a lot of fun and friendly competition across the county."

This year’s Big Quiz heats will be held at Canterbury, Medway, Maidstone and Ashford.

The Maidstone KM Big Quiz will be held at 7pm on Friday, June 15 at Maidstone Leisure Centre. Tables cost £50 and seat eight people. The price includes a ploughman's meal and glass of wine. For more information or to book a table go to www.kentwalkingbus.org