Officials behind an awards ceremony celebrating Suffolk’s unsung heroes are urging people to make nominations for emergency services personnel.

The Stars of Suffolk Awards hails those who make outstanding contributions to their community, show exceptional courage or go above and beyond the call of duty to help others.

It includes 13 categories, including young person of the year, outstanding bravery and sporting achievement, as well as four categories for the emergency services: hospital/ambulance/medical person of the Year; search and rescue team; police hero; and fire service.

The Stars of Suffolk Awards were launched 10 years ago by Mick Parker, managing director of Parker Communications.

He praised the “amazing” work of the county’s emergency services amid growing pressures they face.

Ipswich Star: PCSO John Hood won the Police Person of the Year Award at the 2016 Stars of Suffolk Awards. Pictured with Suffolk County Council chairman Colin Spence with wife Jeanette. Picture: NIGEL BROWNPCSO John Hood won the Police Person of the Year Award at the 2016 Stars of Suffolk Awards. Pictured with Suffolk County Council chairman Colin Spence with wife Jeanette. Picture: NIGEL BROWN (Image: Archant)

He said: “We have covered this hugely important area over the last 10 years because of their amazing work. We hear remarkable stories of courage, support, compassion, and care.

“Whenever we speak to the emergency services, they consider themselves as just doing their jobs; nothing outstanding, but members of the public think they do an astonishing job.

“We do appreciate what they do. With government funding being what it is, the jobs are becoming more and more difficult, but the stories we hear about these heroic members of the public are astonishing. They go to great lengths to make sure people are safe. With the stress and pressure they are under, we value them even more.

“We relish their nominations and urge them all to nominate their colleagues. They often get a standing ovation at the awards.”

All nominations will be put before a panel of judges and a shortlist of three finalists in each category will be drawn up.

Each finalist will be invited to attend the Stars of Suffolk ceremony, being held at Trinity Park on Thursday, November 9, with the winners receiving a special prize tailored to their interests.

Nominations close on Friday, October 13. The judging panel will decide the finalists on October 23.

To nominate someone for a Stars of Suffolk award, simply fill out the online form.