An inaugural awards ceremony will celebrate community stalwarts and leading lights in the district when it is held on Monday evening.

A number of entries have been pored over, judges have deliberated and the shortlist is now in for the first Stars of Lowestoft and Waveney Awards – which aims to recognise the people who make a special contribution across a wide range of areas.

The finalists range from tales of outstanding bravery in the face of adversity, to community groups who have made a difference to the local area.

The winners of the nine categories, which include team of the year and hospital/ambulance person of the year, will be revealed at the ceremony – which takes place at the Hotel Victoria in Lowestoft on Monday evening.

The nominations include Adele Bellis, who after having acid thrown over her face at a bus stop last year, has been determined to continue her normal everyday life despite having to endure painful surgery.

Hayley-Eszti Szucs is also nominated after coping with the debilitating effects of ME and launching a career as a model to help inspire other women with disabilities. The winners of the Judges Special Award, Special Recognition Award and the overall star of Lowestoft and Waveney will be revealed on the night.

The ceremony has been organised by Lowestoft mayor Stephen Ardley, in partnership with Archant, publisher of the Lowestoft Journal and our sister paper the Eastern Daily Press.

Mr Ardley said: 'I am very pleased to be hosting the first ever Lowestoft and Waveney awards.

'I am looking forward to presenting the awards on the night to some very deserving people.'

The event will be sponsored by Lings Motors of Lowestoft, Waveney Norse and Sentinel.

Nigel Pickover, editor of the EDP, said: 'We are thrilled to be working with the Stars of Lowestoft and Waveney Awards.

'There are hundreds of people whose dedication to the community goes overlooked and we hope this is an opportunity to give them the recognition they deserve.'

Full list of Nominees:

Unsung Hero: Reg Nichols, Hayley-Eszti Szucs, Ali Napthine.

Team of the Year: Can-cervive, Lowestoft in Bloom Committee, Beccles Carnival Organisers.

Outstanding Bravery: Adele Bellis, Dino Hoy.

Community Champion: Lowestoft Volunteer Lifeguard Corps, Amanda Dewbery, Lowestoft Museum.

Young Person of the Year: Callum Underdown, Megan Stratton, Waveney Youth Council.

Hospital/Ambulance Person: Nigel Lemmons, Nicholas Smith.

Outstanding Sporting Achievement: Mark Websdale, Clinton Gillett, Lowestoft Ladies Football Team.