It is an event which celebrates the best and brightest of Norfolk and Waveney life.

Eastern Daily Press: The launch of Stars of Norfolk and Waveney 2018 Awards. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe launch of Stars of Norfolk and Waveney 2018 Awards. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

And for another year those who deserve recognition - but who do not always get it - will be crowned in the EDP Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards for the invaluable contribution they make to the lives of others every day.

Launching the awards, now in their sixth year, EDP and Norwich Evening News editor David Powles said: 'It seems only a few weeks since we launched for the first time - but now we launch our sixth Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards today and it's been an emotional and heart-warming experience so far.

'For me, I think these awards are invaluable. They still mean a lot to the people who win.'

Organiser Mick Parker said what set Stars apart was how each prize was tailored to the winner.

Eastern Daily Press: Eastern Daily Press Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards ceremony 2017 at St Andrews Hall, Norwich. Overall Star of Norfolk 2017 winner Tracy Eves. Picture: Nick ButcherEastern Daily Press Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards ceremony 2017 at St Andrews Hall, Norwich. Overall Star of Norfolk 2017 winner Tracy Eves. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

He said: 'We really look at who the finalists are and we find them a prize that really suits them. We sprinkle stardust on these awards and it makes it different to any other awards we've done.'

Mr Parker gave the example of previous winner Wynn Tutt, who won Community Champion of the Year in 2015 for her devotion to keeping her neighbourhood clean and tidy.

Mrs Tutt had never met her grandson Chris, who lived in Norway, so as a surprise awards organisers flew him over to present her award.

Last year, Tracy Eves took home the Overall Star of Norfolk prize for her work at work at Meadow House nursing home, in Swaffham where she goes beyond the call of duty to make sure the residents are happy.

Eastern Daily Press: EDP Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards 2015 at St Andrews Hall, Norwich. Community Group or Champion of the Year Wynn Tutt with her grandson Chris.PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAYEDP Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards 2015 at St Andrews Hall, Norwich. Community Group or Champion of the Year Wynn Tutt with her grandson Chris.PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY

Entries are now open for this year's awards, with a new glittering category to celebrate Inspirational Person of the Year.

Mr Parker said the significance of the awards was shown in how those who most deserve recognition were often surprised to be nominated.

He said: 'We will ring someone up and say they are a finalist and they will say you've got the wrong number. The point is we're recognising real heroes who just don't expect it.'

• To find out more about Stars 2018 and to make nominations visit www.edp24.co.uk/home/stars - a paper copy of the entry form will be available in Saturday's paper.