Dedication and commitment to their communities by individuals, groups and businesses have been honoured at a glittering awards ceremony.
This year saw a record number of entries for the awards, with more than 60 businesses and groups represented on the night alongside the many individual finalists and distinguished guests.
Comedian and presenter Steve Allen hosted the 2019 East Suffolk Business & Community Awards at The Hangar, Kesgrave Hall.
Organised by East Suffolk Council, the 13 awards celebrated an array of business and community successes and initiatives from the last 18 months.
Letitia Smith, cabinet member for communities, leisure and tourism, said: "It was a real pleasure being able to celebrate the dedication and commitment shown by local groups, individuals and businesses in supporting their local communities. It says a great deal about the fantastic community spirit across East Suffolk and is one of the reasons it is such a great place to live.
"I would like to congratulate our well-deserving winners whose hard work and commitment has helped improve their local area and the lives of the people who live there.
"I would also like to thank our sponsors and those who took the time to nominate for these special awards."
Kelly Scoot, owner of JoJo's Kitchen & Bar, said: "We're delighted to have won New Business of the Year and represent Lowestoft at these awards. We've had an excellent start for the business, made extra special thanks to the support of the Lowestoft community."
Rob Simpson, chairman of Club of the Year winners Woodbridge Rugby Club, paid tribute to the "tireless work" of the committee, coaches and volunteers. He said: "We're celebrating 50 years of Woodbridge Rugby Club this year and are so proud of our club's inclusiveness with teams for men, women, boys, girls, vets and wheelchair users. Following the recent loss of some of the Club's stalwarts, I've witnessed how, although a love of rugby is what brought us together, this Club is about so much more. It really is a family."
Louise Richardson from Student Life, winner of People Development and Great Idea awards, said: "We're thrilled with our success and the opportunities we provide, and we're very proud to have earned the recognition and support of the East Suffolk community."
FULL LIST OF WINNERS & RUNNERS UP
New Business of the Year, sponsored by Ufford Park
WINNER: JoJo's Kitchen and Bar, Lowestoft. RUNNERS UP: Magnus PR, Sir & Co. Barbers
Business Growth Award, sponsored by Riduna Park
WINNER: Hearing Care Centre Ltd. RUNNERS UP: Heavenly Hair and Amaya Spa, Suffolk Canine Creche
Services to the community (Group), sponsored by Places Leisure
WINNER: Muncheon Mingle Inter-generational Events. RUNNERS UP: Suffolk Family Carers, Waveney Enterprises Craft Workshop
Services to the community (Individual), sponsored by East Suffolk Norse
WINNER: Julie Hedge, a volunteer for Home Start for almost 5 years. RUNNERS UP: Melanie Lord, Richard Broom
STEM Award, sponsored by EDF Energy
WINNER: Coderus, Martlesham. RUNNER UP: Chicane Voice & Data, SimpleClick
Great Idea Award, sponsored by SuffolkWire
WINNER: Student Life. RUNNERS UP: The Ron Harrod Foundation, Access Community Trust
People Development, sponsored by East Suffolk Council
WINNER: Student Life. RUNNERS UP: Coastal Leisure Learning CIC, Framlingham College
Health & Wellbeing, sponsored by East Suffolk Council
WINNER: Level 2 Youth Project, Felixstowe. RUNNERS UP: Student Life, Suffolk Family Carers
Encouraging Tourism, sponsored by The Suffolk Coast and East Suffolk Means Business
WINNER: Choose Woodbridge. RUNNERS UP: The First Light festival, Nearly Festival
Customer Focus Award, sponsored by Chicane Voice & Data
WINNER: Deben Travel Ltd. RUNNERS UP: Suffolk Canine Creche, David Button Independent Funeral Directors
Team of the Year, sponsored by Ian Culf Roofer & Builder
WINNER: Realise Futures BBO Employment Team. RUNNERS UP: Suffolk Family Carers, Friends of St. Mary's Primary School
Club of the Year, sponsored by David Button Independent Funeral Directors
WINNER: Woodbridge Rugby Club. RUNNERS UP: Kesgrave Cricket Club, Woodbridge Tennis Club
Enabling Communities Award, sponsored by East Suffolk Council
WINNER: Woodbridge Dementia Project. RUNNERS UP: The Hour Community Trishaw Project, Headway Suffolk
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