The search is on to find the stars of Babergh and Mid Suffolk – as part of an award scheme celebrating the the community’s unsung heroes.

People across the districts are encouraged to vote for their most valued friends and colleagues across 17 categories – split between community awards and business accolades.

Organisations or individuals could be nominated for a whole host of reasons, but the common denominator must be their dedication to serving the community – going the extra mile for others, or boosting the districts’ economies.

Nominations were opened today by Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils at the Oaksmere Hotel in Eye.

The awards will be presented at a glittering ceremony on Thursday, October 18 at St Mary’s Church in Hadleigh, hosted by BBC Radio Suffolk breakfast show presenter Mark Murphy.

East Anglian Daily Times: Arthur Charvonia, Tracey Loynds and John Ward at the launch at The Oaksmere Hotel, Brome Picture: LUCY TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHYArthur Charvonia, Tracey Loynds and John Ward at the launch at The Oaksmere Hotel, Brome Picture: LUCY TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Lucy Taylor Photography)

The community accolades range from group awards, such Community Group of the Year and Community Spirit Award, to individual awards – including Volunteer of the Year, Good Friend/Good Neighbour and Carer of the Year.

Those who think they know the best in the business can nominate worthy stars for the Business in the Community Award, Business Growth Award, Customer Focus Award, Green Award, or Team of the Year.

The leader of Babergh District Council, John Ward said: “We are delighted to be launching the first Stars of Babergh and Mid Suffolk awards which recognise ordinary people doing extraordinary things for the benefit of others, as well as the achievements of our thriving business community. We are looking forward to receiving your nominations for these exciting new awards.”

Mid Suffolk leader Nick Gowrley added: “The Stars of Babergh and Mid Suffolk awards are for the unsung heroes in our communities and we encourage you to nominate people you know who have made a difference. These awards also celebrate the success of the businesses which drive our local economy.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Left to right: Gerrard Brewster, John Ward, Ollie Watts, Sally Chicken, Julie Flat, Tracey Loynds, Stephen Singleton, Nick Gowrley, and Steve Flory Picture: LUCY TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHYLeft to right: Gerrard Brewster, John Ward, Ollie Watts, Sally Chicken, Julie Flat, Tracey Loynds, Stephen Singleton, Nick Gowrley, and Steve Flory Picture: LUCY TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Lucy Taylor Photography)

The Stars of Babergh and Mid Suffolk is part of a larger Stars awards scheme which is now in its 12th year and is run across Suffolk and Norfolk by Parker Communications.

The full list of categories are as follows:

Business in the Community Award

Business Growth Award

Customer Focus Award

Green Award

Team of the Year

Community Group of the Year

Community Spirit Award

Best Community Group/Community Achievement

Community Project of the Year

Outstanding Sporting Achievement of the Year

Community Champion of the Year

Volunteer of the Year

Young Volunteer of the Year (nominees up to the age of 24)

Young Person of the Year

Good Friend/Good Neighbour

Dedication Award for Long Service in Voluntary or Community Work

Carer of the Year

To nominate your Stars of Babergh and Mid Suffolk, fill in the form at the top of this article. The closing date for nominations is midnight on Friday, September 28.