It has been recognising the unsung heroes of our region for more than a decade.

But as he looked back at the history of the Stars events in Norfolk and Suffolk, EDP Stars of Norfolk and Waveney organiser Mick Parker said each one can 'sprinkle stardust' just as much as the last.

Mr Parker, from Parker Communications, helped start the Stars events in Suffolk, when he approached then Ipswich Star editor Nigel Pickover to be media sponsor for a ceremony which would recognise dozens of people young and old, male and female, who go above and beyond for others.

He said: 'We decided we wanted to do something for what we call 'real heroes'. There are some fabulous awards out there but we want to give an award to the greatest show of people. Nigel agreed and we started Stars of Suffolk.'

After the success of the first event, Mr Parker knew he had to expand across the region.

Eastern Daily Press: Launch of the Eastern Daily Press 2016 Stars of Lowestoft and Waveney awards. Mick Parker and mayor, Stephen Ardley with Woody Bear. PHOTO: Nick ButcherLaunch of the Eastern Daily Press 2016 Stars of Lowestoft and Waveney awards. Mick Parker and mayor, Stephen Ardley with Woody Bear. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

He added: 'I then contacted Archant in Norfolk who were able to take it further and we now even do smaller group awards, with the Stars of King's Lynn and the Hearts of Broadland Awards - but it all focuses towards the big one, Stars of Norfolk and Waveney.

'The first Suffolk awards went brilliantly as no-one had done anything quite like it before, in that our formula is that we don't just present awards to people but try to cater to everybody in the community.

'In the room on that night we have everybody from every walk of life. It's an amazing night, a real section of the community.

'The main reason I think it's different is we sprinkle stardust into the night and we find out from the nominator all about the finalists and find out their hobbies and family background to give them something that will make a difference to them.'

Eastern Daily Press: Launching the 2016 Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards at Sprowston Manor hotel, Nigel Pickover and Mick Parker with supporters, sponsors and friends of the event. PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAYLaunching the 2016 Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards at Sprowston Manor hotel, Nigel Pickover and Mick Parker with supporters, sponsors and friends of the event. PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY

The Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards have been running for four years.

This year's awards will be returning to The Halls on St Andrew Plain, Norwich on December 6. You can nominate people in categories such as Young Person of the Year and Outstanding Bravery.

To nominate someone for an award, go to www.edp24.co.uk/home/stars.

Eastern Daily Press: Picture: DENISE BRADLEYPicture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)