Unsung heroes will be rewarded for their amazing dedication to the community at the annual Stars of Lowestoft and Waveney Awards next week. The event, organised by the Eastern Daily Press and The Journal, was held for the first time last year to recognise people’s hard work in making the area a better place to live.

The awards opened for entries in March this year and have been coming in all year round, with teachers, charity fundraisers and mental health campaigners among those nominated. Judges from sponsors including Sentinel Leisure Trust, Lings Motor Group and Hoseasons then met to make the tough decision about who should be the finalists in each category. The winners will be revealed at a glamorous ceremony at Lowestoft’s Hotel Victoria on Monday, compered by BBC Radio Suffolk presenter Mark Murphy. Judges have also selected winners for a Special Recognition prize and Judges’ Special Award, while last year’s overall winner – Lowestoft acid attack victim Adele Bellis – will present this year’s main winner with the award.

Journal editor Amy Smith said: “These awards really tell a remarkable story about Lowestoft and Waveney. “All of our finalists have worked so hard to selflessly help others and make the area a better place to live. The awards ceremony is a chance to give them some much-deserved recognition. We have a brilliant set of finalists who are all winners. They have shown that there are fantastic stories of dedication in our community.”

Sponsors for this year’s event also included Kingsley Healthcare, which is the main sponsor, Pleasurewood Hills and Top Office products.

Categories include Outstanding Bravery, Education Star of the Year and Team of the Year.