Charities from across Kent, Medway and Bexley gathered on Friday to celebrate third-sector best practice.

More than 200 delegates gathered at the KM Charity Team’s forum, where the team presented its Charity Mark to 50 exceptional good causes.

In addition, forum headline partner Kreston Reeves and event supporters Employment Law 4u, Diggerland and Leeds Castle held special sessions during which they shared their expertise in issues such as finance, law and customer experience.

And the forum gave tips for charities looking to submit applications to be KM Group charities of the year for 2019.

The event was held at Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel.

Susan Robinson of Kent accountancy practice Kreston Reeves said: “We are delighted to present the charity mark to 50 of Kent’s most hard-working charities.

“This is an opportunity to congratulate them on all the work they are doing and the contribution they are making in Kent.

“Often this goes unrewarded and unrecognised. So this is a chance to say thank you.”

Her comments were echoed by KM Charity Team chief executive Simon Dolby, who said: “The forum plays a key role in celebrating and publicising third-sector best practice.

“It’s so important that when someone raises the bar their work is recognised and rewarded, and other people and organisations get a chance to learn how they can follow their lead.”

And he urged good causes to apply for KM Group Charity of the Year status.

He added: “I would urge any charity in Kent or Medway to submit KM Charity of the Year applications for 2019.

“Don’t be modest about your work – let your peers and the community know about it.

“The application process is simple, and if you win you will benefit from a year-long media partnership with your local KM Group paper, and could earn vital funds from KM Charity Team challenges such as the Big Quiz and Dragon Boat Race.”

The deadline for KM Charity of the Year applications is noon on October 27. Find out more at www.kmcharityteam.co.uk.

Watch a video about the event here: