ORGANISERS of the Stars of Suffolk Awards are already looking ahead to an even bigger and better showcase next year.

ORGANISERS of the Stars of Suffolk Awards are already looking ahead to an even bigger and better showcase next year.

The team is today hoping to build on the groundswell of positive feedback from last Thursday's ceremony.

It was a captivating finale to The Evening Star and Suffolk County Council's search for community heroes and heroines, which produced a night of high drama and emotion.

Mick Parker, the brainchild behind the inaugural event, said he was delighted with its success after trying to bring the awards to Suffolk for the last seven years.

Mr Parker, managing director of Parker Communications, said: “It was everything I ever dreamed it would be. The feedback has been wonderful from finalists, winners, sponsors and judges.

“We are confident that increased sponsorship will produce an even more glamorous event and will include many more people from across the county.”

His sentiments were echoed by the chief executive of Suffolk County Council, which hosted the ceremony at its Endeavour House headquarters in Ipswich.

Andrea Hill said: “This was a fantastic evening of celebration.

“The commitment and endeavours of all those nominated was truly inspirational, highlighting actions that went above and beyond the call of duty.

“We can all be proud and inspired by the successes achieved by individuals in our communities.”

It is also hoped the growing popularity of the event will prompt even more people to be nominated for their extraordinary achievements.

Nigel Pickover, editor of The Evening Star, said: “It was an astonishingly successful evening - very moving and powerful.

“When first events are successful, you want to repeat it and make it better next year.”

Visit The Evening Star's website at www.eveningstar.co.uk for full coverage and photos of the Stars of Suffolk Awards.