It was an amazing event in which those who go above and beyond to help their communities were given the recognition they truly deserve.

And after the success of the inaugural Stars of Lowestoft and Waveney Awards last year, The Journal and our sister paper, the Eastern Daily Press, can today proudly announce that the event is back for a second year - and that voting is open for you to nominate your community heroes.

Sponsors who supported the event last year were keen to lend their help again for the 2016 awards, which are due to take place at Lowestoft's Hotel Victoria on Monday, November 7 2016.

At a launch event attended by range of organisations that have already agreed to be sponsors for the event, Journal editor Andrew Papworth said: 'I'm incredibly grateful to everyone here for coming on board again with the Stars of Lowestoft and Waveney Awards.

'I hope that now the benefits of these amazing awards has been shown, they will be even bigger and even better than last year.

'I look forward to once again being able to champion the brilliant people in our community and I hope that we can show there truly is a great sense of pride in Lowestoft and Waveney.'

EDP editor Nigel Pickover thanked the sponsors for supporting the event, as without them it could not go ahead.

He raised a toast to Lowestoft in what was a week of good news after the South Beach reopening and the announcement of the funding for the third crossing.

But he said it was crucial people nominated those who they felt deserved recognition.

Lowestoft mayor Stephen Ardley added: 'We would like to get as many nominations as possible.

'There are so many people out there who do extraordinary things but never ask for recognition.

'If you think something they have done is worth putting forward, then don't think twice and please put the nomination in.'

? To enter, visit www.edp24.co.uk/home/stars