As the deadline for Stars of Suffolk nominations approaches, organiser Mick Parker is looking ahead to the “emotional and wonderful” annual ceremony that brings together the county’s unsung heroes for one night of celebration.

This year there are 13 categories, from outstanding bravery to sporting achievement, and people have until October 13 to put someone forward for an award.

The panel of judges, made up of people from the sponsoring organisations, will then pick the winners before they are announced during a special event at Trinity Park, on the outskirts of Ipswich, on November 9.

Mr Parker, of Parker Communications, first launched Stars of Suffolk, which is supported by the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, in 2007.

He said: “This year is going to be more amazing than ever and the last decade has seen some incredible awards handed out to some amazing people and we have had letters and emails from people who have said that the Stars of Suffolk awards have changed their lives because of the recognition they get.

“It’s an incredible experience for everyone and I would encourage as many people as possible to get their nominations in for people or organisations or charities or emergency services or armed forces personnel they know that have done remarkable things for them and don’t seek reward or favour because it’s what they do. We need to recognise them.

“I started Stars of Suffolk because we wanted to recognise what we call real heroes and heroines in our county. There are many fabulous awards that go on throughout Suffolk but most of them tend to cover one area, but we cover them all.

“When you see the room on the night with 300 people and there are babies, children, wheelchair users, a variety of people who have challenges in their lives, all the emergency services, armed forces, police dogs - everyone is there and people recognise that and love it for what it is.

“The majority of people are staggered they have even been nominated, never mind win an award, so the atmosphere on the night is priceless.”

He added: “It’s going to be an emotional and wonderful evening and made up of real heroes.”

Mr Parker said there had already been hundreds of nominations this year, but he wants to see more come in before the deadline hits.

Last year’s overall winner was the Teapot Project, based in Ipswich, which intercepts perfectly edible food from shops and restaurants, and re-distributes it to those in need.

Nominations can be made using the online form above.