It is an event that celebrates the hard work of unsung heroes and brave individuals from across our region.

And organisers of this year's EDP Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards are promising it will be bigger than ever.

They are now calling for the public to begin submitting entries for the competition, with a glittering presentation due to take place in December at the Sprowston Manor hotel.

Nigel Pickover, EDP editor in chief, said: 'These special awards honour the everyday heroes in Norfolk and Waveney, whose work often goes unnoticed.

'They keep our communities ticking over and make our county such a wonderful place to live and work. I would encourage anyone who knows of an individual deserving recognition to come forward and enter them into this year's event.'

Speaking at the event's launch yesterday, organiser Mick Parker said: 'These awards fill what used to be a huge void in our society. We have tremendous awards for the police, fire and ambulance services, but these awards encompass everyone in the community.

'The beautiful thing about this event is that it celebrates the people out there who do extraordinary things but don't appreciate it themselves. Even when we speak to them they play it down and they don't realise their achievements.

'Having said that, when we ring them to say they are finalists they are astounded and usually lost for words.'

The awards – now in their fourth year – are open to people of any age living within Norfolk and Waveney.

They celebrate everything from bravery to the tireless voluntary work of community stalwarts.

There were more than 300 entries to last year's competition, with finalists in 14 categories honoured for their achievements.

But Mr Parker hopes to see even more people nominated this year.

He added: 'This year's awards will follow the same format and we are looking forward to some fantastic entrants, amazing finalists and richly deserving winners.'

He said the event's sponsors will be judging the entries, which must be submitted by early October.

Thetford man Michael Bowley was crowned the Overall Star of Norfolk last year for his courage in the face of a raging care home fire.

The 70-year-old rushed inside the home and started to put out the flames using only what he had – his hands.

With help from his daughter-in-law, he saved the lives of eight residents.

To nominate someone, fill in the entry form on our website: www.edp24.co.uk. For more information about the awards, email info@parkercom.co.uk or call Mick Parker on 01473 636983 or 07922 280380.

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