THEY are the leading lights in our community and with their inspiration and care Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth, Lowestoft and Southwold, are much better places.

THEY are the leading lights in our community and with their inspiration and care Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth, Lowestoft and Southwold, are much better places.

The Beccles and Bungay Journal has teamed up for the first time this year with its sister paper The Lowestoft Journal and Pleasurewood Hills to reward a host of selfless, caring and kind individuals during the third annual Pride in the Community Awards.

In extending the popular event into the Waveney valley, it's our chance to give thanks to the special people we know who make a huge impression on our lives.

The awards are being held on Tuesday, July 7, at Pleasurewood Hills, in Leisure Way, Lowestoft, in the form of a summer garden party after the closure of the park.

During the evening a delicious buffet and drinks will be served by the lake, followed by a spectacular free Circus and Tango show for all guests inside the Castle Theatre.

The evening will end on an extra high with the presentation of the award winners hosted by Lowestoft Journal editor Russell Cook and Pleasurewood Hills manager Yves Delhommeau.

We are looking for modest, hard working characters who work quietly to achieve their goals and help others without expecting anything in return.

It could be a child who has battled a serious illness, a kind neighbour who takes care of you, putting your needs before their own, or perhaps your favourite teacher who makes it worth going into school every day.

All these people show courage, compassion and good spirit and are the sorts of people we want to recognise because they would never actively seek praise.

And it's up to you to tell us their amazing stories so we can reward them.

Our sponsor Pleasurewood Hills, established in the early 1980s is proud to have been part of the community for more than 25 years and is a key part of the region's heritage.

The park also supports many local businesses who supply a range of goods and materials. This commitment to the economy and the people that live and work in the area will provide genuine value to the awards.

Mr Delhommeau said: “Now in its third year, we are extremely delighted to sponsor this event once again. This evening is for each and every one of you, the finalists, the winners and all the nominees, for all that you give to others, sometimes without even realising what you do. We are extremely honoured to share it with you.”

All shortlisted entrants will be contacted by the end of June and are invited with members of their family to the lavish awards ceremony.

To nominate someone for one of the nine categories listed on this page fill in the entry form with the category of your choice together with your name, address, daytime telephone number and if possible a recent photograph of that person.

Please also include on a separate piece of paper why you think the person you are putting forward has Pride in their Community.

Entries close on Monday June 15 at 5pm.