Today the EDP can reveal the finalists for this year's Stars of Norfolk awards.
Facing a challenging task, the judges spent hours whittling dozens of nominations down to the shortlist of outstanding individuals and teams.
In partnership with Norfolk County Council, district councils, the EDP and its many sister titles across Norfolk, tales of courage, determination and community spirit will be will be celebrated at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich on November 20.
Among the shortlisted stars is wheelchair athlete Will Smith, from Westfield near Dereham.
He was selected to represent England at the Glasgow Commonwealth games where he qualified for final and finished in fifth place.
Despite being only 19-year-old and living with spinabifida, Will has always been determined to excel at sport and wheelchair racing has given him the opportunity to train and aim to compete at elite level.
Gemma Renaud, 24, from Norwich, was nominated for her work supporting people with tourette's syndrome and mental health in Norfolk.
After struggling with tourette's, severe depression and anxiety herself, and trying to take her own life four years ago, Miss Renaud bravely battled through and set up a self-help group to help others.
Despite her own problems and difficulties, Miss Renaud now is a support worker for the blind.
Deryn Blackwell is in this year's bravery category after his harrowing battle with cancer.
The Watton teenager is thought to be the only person in the world thought to have had leukaemia and Langerhans cell sarcoma at the same time.
He and his supportive family have travelled between Bristol, Norfolk and Cambridge for treatment since the youngster was diagnosed at just 10-years-old.
This time last year Deryn was planning his own funeral – now he is a figure of health and starting to enjoy a normal childhood.
And Paul Chamberlain, 42, from Banham, has been nominated for search and rescue person of the year.
In his day job he is a teacher – but in his spare time Mr Chamberlain volunteers with the Norfolk Lowland Search and Rescue over the last two years and was team leader during Norfolk's tidal surge, as well as going out of county to Surrey during their bad floods.
The EDP will have full coverage of the awards night both in the paper and online at www.edp24.co.uk
Do you have an inspirational story? Email newsdesk@archant.co.uk
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