We are one step closer to celebrating the wonderful work that goes on in our county.

Nominations for the Stars of Norfolk Awards are now closed – and a staggering 242 nominations are ready for the judges' deliberation on Monday.

Tales of a tear jerking calibre have been sent in from across the county, and soon the EDP will honour the real heroes and heroines in our community.

In partnership with Norfolk County Council, district councils, the EDP and its many sister titles across Norfolk, honouring ordinary people and teams doing the extraordinary is even closer.

Carers, outstanding young people, sportsmen and women, those in the armed services, police, fire and the health service and more – there are so many people in Norfolk who deserve to shine.

The judges will decide three finalists for each category who will be invited to the glittering awards event at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich on November 20.

The judges are: Nigel Pickover, editor in chief of the EDP, Max Marriner, chief executive officer at Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind, Nigel Williams, the chief fire officer at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, Phil Kirby, chief executive at Broadland District Council, Brian Horner, chief executive at Voluntary Norfolk, Graham Tuttle from Norfolk Community Foundation, Shiela Oxtoby, chief executive at North Norfolk District Council, Rob Walker, assistant director at Breckland District Council, Brenda Arthur, leader of Norwich City Council, Cllr Trevor Wainwright at Great Yarmouth Borough council, Jonathan Green from Thirty One Fundraising, Andrew Barnes, managing partner at Howes Percival LLP, Giselle Cope, PA to the chief executive at Flagship Housing Group, Paula Armenis, head of marketing and communications at Flagship Housing Group, Nick Daubney, leader of King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council, Simon Ilett from Cipher Crystal and representatives from Norfolk police and south Norfolk Council.

Do you know a community champion? Email newsdesk@archant.co.uk