Members of the public are being invited to pay tribute to the hard work of police officers and staff as Norfolk police prepares for its annual awards ceremony.

EDP readers can vote for their community police officer, community support officer and special officer of the year as part of the Norfolk Safer Community Awards (NOSCAs).

Now in their fourth year, the EDP-sponsored awards offer people the opportunity to acknowledge some of the force's unsung heroes.

Alongside the public vote, there are also a number of other categories, ranging from safer neighbourhood team of the year to volunteer of the year and citizen awards. As well as recognising those on the frontline, the efforts of backroom staff are also rewarded.

Chief Constable Phil Gormley said: 'These awards highlight the fantastic work that police officers, staff and members of our local communities undertake in helping Norfolk remain a safe place to live in, work in and visit. They recognise the dedication and exceptional contribution made by these people whilst carrying out their day-to-day duties or responding to an extreme situation.'

Last year PC Jason Howell, a safer neighbourhood team officer based in Gorleston, won community officer of the year following 12 nominations from members of the public. This was mainly for his work in setting up a CCTV scheme in the town.

PCSO Joanne Robotham, from the Fakenham safer neighbourhood team, won PCSO of the year. She was nominated by the Victory Housing Officer for being the driving force in engagement with the community and taking their views forward.

Special sergeant Fred Jude won the Special of the year category. He had taken time out from running his own business to train as a restorative justice conference facilitator and carried out more than 20 conferences with more than 40 offenders.

The NOSCAs are funded by sponsorship from commercial and community partners which enables them to be run at no cost to Norfolk police. Awards will be presented at a ceremony at Dunston Hall hotel near Norwich in June.

Sponsors for 2011 include: the EDP, De Vere Dunston Hall, Kall Kwik, Caithness Crystal, Anglian Home Improvements. City College Norwich, GSL Dardan, HTK Limited, Shell UK Ltd and the Chamber of Commerce.

Nominations for the public vote category can be made using the form below or by visiting www.norfolkpolice.uk. The deadline is April 22.