Louise Casey, the Government Co-ordinator for Respect, said:

"I'm very excited that Kent is running the Respect Awards again - it's a fantastic way of celebrating the achievements of these inspirational young people.

"Constructive and purposeful activities like volunteering have enormous benefits for young people. They can encourage and enable children and young people to contribute to their communities and help divert them from anti-social behaviour.

"I am really looking forward to hearing about what some of this years winners have done to earn their awards."

Chief Inspector Mark Harrison (pictured) who leads the partnership and crime reduction department of Kent police, said:

"Our Respect awards provide an opportunity to showcase the fantastic things that so very many of our young people get up to."

Mark, who has been appointed to a Home Office Respect Squad which can be called in to help tackle anti-social behaviour anywhere in the country, said the awards were the first of their kind.

"The Home Office is supporting the Respect Awards because the scheme is recognised as an excellent opportunity to redress the balance and allows the county to show respect for young people," he said.

Ron Green, managing editor of the Kent Messenger Group, said:

"People are quick to complain about young people. But the vast majority of youngsters are decent, hard working and caring and they get sick and tired of unfair and unnecessary criticism.

"Our editors are always delighted to recognise the achievements of our young people and the Respect Awards provide an opportunity to show how much we value their achievements.

"So if you know a young person to be proud of please nominate them."