A selection of Suffolk’s most devoted charitable individuals and organisations will be recognised tomorrow at this year’s prestigious High Sheriff Awards.

East Anglian Daily Times: Volunteers with their trophies at the High Sheriff Awards 2017. Picture: SIMON LEE PHOTOGRAPHYVolunteers with their trophies at the High Sheriff Awards 2017. Picture: SIMON LEE PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Archant)

A selection of Suffolk’s most devoted charitable individuals and organisations will be recognised tomorrow night at this year’s prestigious High Sheriff Awards.

The accolades, on behalf of the High Sheriff of Suffolk, Geoffrey Probert, shine a light on volunteers, community groups and other organisations who dedicate their lives, time and energy to helping others.

Winners will collect their gongs at a glittering ceremony, presented by BBC Radio Suffolk’s Lesley Dolphin and Suffolk Community Foundation’s Tim Holder.

A trophy and cash for each winning voluntary group will be handed over at the event, due to be hosted at Wherstead Park in partnership with the East of England Co-op.

Nominations for the eight categories, including the Inspiring Leader Award and Rebuilding Broken Lives Award, opened in November last year, when Mr Probert warned that times are tough for the volunary sector in Suffolk. Shortlisted nominees were then contacted at the end of January.

New categories for this year include The Suffolk Heritage Award, created to honour those who preserve the county’s landscape, buildings and history.

Mr Probert said: “It is wonderful to have an opportunity to celebrate all the great work of the voluntary sector, a lot of which I have been privileged to visit over the past year.

“I have constantly been inspired and humbled by what I have seen. Suffolk would not be the place it is without them.”

Stephen Singleton, the Chief Executive of Suffolk Community Foundation, added: “The direct support of Suffolk’s High Sheriff has grown ever more vital to the voluntary sector in Suffolk.

“Many hundreds of visits and incredibly important words of support are delivered personally during their year of office. All of this culminates in the wonderful celebrations that we will witness tomorrow night.

“This is a huge Suffolk team effort from start to finish and I’d like to thank everyone who helps to make The High Sheriff’s annual award and grants programme happen. They clearly all realise just how valuable financial support and a thank you can be.”

The Awards are sponsored by the East of England Co-op, Muntons, JM Finn, Ashtons, Suez, Camden Boss, The Ipswich Building Society and Clarke and Simpson.