IT IS time for the stars among us to shine.

The Evening Star is today launching this year’s Stars of Suffolk awards and we want you to nominate the outstanding individuals living in the county.

Heroic members of the public, dedicated healthcare professionals and members of the emergency services, young carers, brave young people battling illness, volunteers giving up their time tirelessly and people who go above and beyond the call of duty – we want to hear about them all.

This year’s awards, held in partnership with Suffolk County Council and in association with the East Anglian Daily Times, the Bury Mercury, Sudbury Mercury, Lowestoft Journal and the Beccles and Bungay Journal, will culminate with a glittering awards ceremony on Friday, December 2 at Endeavour House, sponsored by EDF Energy and Suffolk New College.

There are 13 categories – including Carer of the year, Police person of the year, Unsung hero and Healthcare professional of the year – as well as two special awards for the overall winner and the special recognition award.

To get nominations started the Star is today nominating two inspiring youngsters who are bravely battling devastating illnesses.

In the Courageous young person of the year category we are putting Mason Fountain forward.

He is six years old and living with an inoperable brain tumour and for the last 18 months he has undergone a gruelling treatment programme.

Recognising her outstanding bravery, we are also nominating Kerry Thorpe.

The inspirational 20-year-old has cystic fibrosis and needs a double lung transplant. Without the life-saving procedure she has been told she could have less than a year to live.

But despite their illnesses both Mason and Kerry never give up, battling through treatment with smiles on their faces.

And both have dedicated their time to help others, raising awareness and fundraising for charity.

Star editor Nigel Pickover said Mason and Kerry are shining examples of why the awards are so important.

“These two youngsters remind us of why we hold these awards,” he said. “Their courage and bravery are an inspiration to us all.

“While facing their tough battles both have selflessly taken the time to help others.

“We are really excited to be launching this year’s event and hope it will be bigger and better than before.

“If you know a teacher, carer, neighbour or volunteer that has made a real difference to your local community nominate them for the recognition they deserve.”

SCC leader Mark Bee added: “We are delighted to be working with the Ipswich Evening Star and Archant to deliver these awards. It is important particularly during difficult times that we celebrate the fantastic work, achievements and bravery of the people of Suffolk.

“People across our county work hard every day often without recognition to make Suffolk a better place.

“I am happy that we can do our bit to recognise that work.”

Event organiser Mick Parker, managing director of Parker Communications, said this year promises to be the best yet.

“This is the most exciting event of the year,” he said. “It is a chance to recognise real heroes and heroines.

“This year already we have had tremendous response from sponsors and the general public.”

To nominate visit www.onesuffolk.co.uk/starsofsuffolk and fill out the online form, fill out a form in the Evening Star or pick up a form at libraries, hospitals, schools and other county council buildings.

n Do you know someone who deserves recognition? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstar letters@eveningstar.co.uk