For more than a decade, the Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards have celebrated the best and brightest of our local communities. 

The annual celebration highlights those often unseen acts of kindness, bravery and selflessness that make our communities so special. 

And from next week, we want your nominations. 

Eastern Daily Press:

For another year, those who deserve recognition - but who do not always get it - will be recognised for the invaluable contribution they make to the lives of others every day. 

The awards are set to be an unforgettable event marking another year of courage and exceptional community spirit 

EDP editor Richard Porritt said: “We've had a truly amazing run of highlighting the amazing work and efforts being carried out across communities in our wonderful county. 

"The level of dedication, courage, selflessness and bravery shown in Norfolk and Waveney continues to impress us all, and for another year we want to show that off. 

Eastern Daily Press: Richard Porritt, editor of the EDP, at the Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards 2023

"We are urging as many of you as possible to nominate your colleagues, neighbours, organisations and groups who have gone the extra mile. 

"They deserve special recognition for their efforts so we are urging each and everyone one of you to think about who you can nominate and get it sent in." 

The awards are organised in-house by the EDP and Norwich Evening News. 

Winners will receive a trophy, certificate and a bottle of Champagne (under 18s will receive a gift), as well as tickets to the Norwich Theatre pantomime Sleeping Beauty, courtesy of Norwich Theatre. 

Eastern Daily Press: Awards at the Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards 2023

HOW TO ENTER

Entries will close on October 1 and the finalists will be announced on November 10.

The winners will be announced on December 1 and a special winners supplement will appear in the EDP on December 2.

All of the finalists will be invited to a special afternoon event at The Assembly House on December 1.

Eastern Daily Press:

THE CATEGORIES

Animal Hero of the Year, sponsored by Redwings Horse Sanctuary  

Carer of the Year  

Charity Hero of the Year 

Excellence in Education Award, sponsored by Step Teachers  

Lifetime Commitment to the Community Award, sponsored by Norwich Theatre   

NHS and Emergency Services Personnel of the Year  

Outstanding Bravery Act of the Year  

Team/Community Group of the Year  

Unsung Community Hero of the Year  

Young Person of the Year, sponsored by Vattenfall  

Non-entry categories:  

Judges' Special Award  

Overall Star of Norfolk & Waveney  

Eastern Daily Press: Sponsors of the Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards 2023Sponsors of the Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards 2023 (Image: Provided via Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: