Hundreds of nominations for an event designed to recognise the often unappreciated heroes of Norfolk's communities have already been received.

Eastern Daily Press: Launch of the new Stars of Norfolk Awards at County Hall. Mick Parker.Photo: Steve AdamsLaunch of the new Stars of Norfolk Awards at County Hall. Mick Parker.Photo: Steve Adams

Mick Parker, organiser of the EDP Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards, said: 'We've had hundreds of nominations for the most amazing people who reflect what a wonderful county this is.

'We'd encourage people to enter what will be the most stunning and emotional awards yet.'

This year's awards will be held at The Halls on St Andrew's St in Norwich on December 5, and will feature a new category, inspirational person of the year.

The application deadline is October 30 and the judging process will take place throughout November.

Russell Dagless, winner of the outstanding bravery of the year award 2017 said: 'I was totally overwhelmed by the event. It was extremely well organised by a fantastic bunch of people as well.

Mr Daglass, a lorry driver, was on the A47 when he spotted a man who had become unconscious at the wheel, and with some very quick thinking managed to trap the van against the road's central barrier with his own vehicle, and in doing so avoided a potentially fatal collision.

The father-of-one from Saxthorpe then gave the man, who had a suspected bleed-on-the-brain, first aid.

He was helped by other drivers, luckily including an off-duty paramedic, until emergency services arrived.

The 53-year-old said: 'I just helped someone who needed it. You just do what you can for your fellow man, I thought it was a lot of fuss over nothing at the time.

'The awards are important for police and firemen and other public service people who normally wouldn't get publicly recognised because it's part of what they do - it's their job.'

Categories that nominations can be made for are:

Carer of the year, young person of the year, outstanding sporting achievement, community group or champion, hospital/ambulance hero/heroine, team of the year, search and rescue person of the year, outstanding bravery of the year, fire service person of the year, volunteer of the year, unsung hero/heroine, inspirational person of the year, and police person of the year.

• To find out more about Stars 2018 and to make nominations visit www.edp24.co.uk/home/stars