Kent Online: DFDS offers £500 for local heroes as it celebrates World Travel Awards top prize

Despite a hugely challenging year, ferry firm DFDS has been named the world's leading ferry operator at the World Travel Awards for the tenth year in a row.

The company, which runs services from Dover, Newhaven and Newcastle to the continent, has, along with all other operators, faced a difficult year as a result of the Covid pandemic.

Kasper Moos, head of passenger organisation at DFDS, said: "There is no doubt 2020 has been a year like no other. We are proud that our customers recognised again the quality of the service DFDS offers on our routes, even in the most challenging times.

"With restrictions returning to a tiered system and the new Test & Release scheme potentially reducing the length of quarantine, we are now thinking ahead to how the future of ferry travel will look in the coming months and years."

To share in its celebration of this award, the company is seeking nominations for a competition to find ‘everyday heroes’ of the pandemic who will win the prize of £500 cash and a DFDS trip in 2021.

To take part, people are being asked to nominate someone who has gone above and beyond to help their communities during the pandemic.

Mr Moos added: "While we celebrate the work of our own staff who we have relied on to keep goods and people moving over 10 years on the Channel and 25 years on the North Sea, we also want to celebrate the people who have made a difference in their own communities this year."

To enter, email DFDS with the person you are nominating, along with contact details, and in 250 words or less, why they are worthy winners.

Entries must arrive no later than Sunday, December 13. Winners will be notified by Christmas Eve.