Suffolk’s unsung heroes are being sought for a national awards scheme showcasing “The Best of British”.

Hearing specialist Amplifon has launched The Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons, in partnership with Falklands war veteran Simon Weston, who was voted the Nation’s Favourite Hero in 2014.

Set up in honour of Amplifon’s founder, Second World War hero Major Charles Holland, the awards recognise the courage and achievement of people from all walks of life in six categories.

The categories are:

•Service to their Country – Recognising current or former members of the armed forces and emergency services who have shown outstanding bravery serving the UK.

•Against all Odds – A person who has overcome adversity to take on an exceptional challenge or achieve outstanding success.

•Hero Pet – A hearing dog or other animal that has transformed the life of their owner.

•Young Hero – A young person under 18 who has shown outstanding courage or taken on an exceptional challenge.

•Charity Champion – Sponsored by hearing loss charity Action on Hearing Loss, this award will recognise a volunteer, charity worker or fundraiser who has made a real difference to a cause they care about.

•Active Agers – A person aged 60 or over whose attitude and approach to ageing is said to be an inspiration to us all.

Anthony Brogan, audiologist at Amplifon’s branch in Upper Brook Street, Ipswich, said: “These awards celebrate the unsung heroes in our communities – those truly remarkable people who are an inspiration to us all.

“If you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their bravery or selflessness then we want to hear their story.”

Simon Weston, who will head up the judging panel for the awards, said: “The Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons will shine a light on a very British breed of hero: those who, like Major Charles Holland, through incredible acts of courage, bravery and incredible selflessness, are an inspiration to others.

“We all know someone who deserves recognition for their service to others, their country or community and we’re calling on the people of Suffolk to nominate these amazing individuals.”

Charles Holland was decorated by both the British and the American military for his bravery behind enemy lines during the Second World War. He was awarded both the MBE and the Military Cross and received the Bronze Star from the United States Government in 1948.

After the war the courageous veteran dedicated his life to providing better hearing for people affected by the conflict and in 1950 launched Amplifon, which has become a global company specialising in providing the best in class hearing solutions and devices.

To honour his valiant actions, The Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons will celebrate the achievements of exceptional people from all walks of life, of all ages and from all over the United Kingdom.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Army and Navy Club in London on Tuesday October 16.

A panel of judges will also choose an overall winner from the category winners, who will win a £1,000 trip to Italy.

The closing date for entries is Friday August 3, and nominations can be made via the Amplifon website .

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on October 16.