VOLUNTEERS in Suffolk will be recognised this year with the announcement of The High Sheriff’s Awards.

Andrew Norman-Butler, the High Sheriff of Suffolk, is calling for voluntary groups to submit entries for the annual community awards that reward people doing inspirational and life-changing work across the county.

He said: “Over the last few months I have come across many extraordinary individuals and groups who voluntarily devote their time and energy to improve the communities in which they live or work, and make Suffolk a better and safer place to live. I am very keen to support them.

“The High Sheriff’s Awards seek to recognise these groups and volunteers and celebrate their work.

“Help us identify these groups and individuals whose unselfish efforts make such a difference and deserve our acknowledgement, as much of the work often goes on unnoticed and without recognition.”

The High Sheriff has created a new category for 2013 to build on the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The award is for people and voluntary groups who have been influenced by the Games and have gone on to inspire others to participate in sport.

The awards are organised by The Suffolk Foundation and will be presented at a ceremony hosted by BBC Radio Suffolk’s presenter Lesley Dolphin at University Campus Suffolk in Ipswich on Thursday, March 7.

Entries can be submitted for one of six categories: The Suffolk Crimebeat Award, The Community Group or Organisation of the Year, The Community Partnership Award and The High Sheriff Suffolk Volunteer of The Year, The High Sheriff Under 25 Young Suffolk Volunteer of the Year Award and the new Suffolk 2012 Games Legacy Award.

The High Sheriff is also offering grants of up to �1,500 to support work with young people aged from eight to 25. To check if you are eligible to apply for a grant or to request an application form, contact Julie Rose at The Suffolk Foundation on 01473 786912 or go to www.suffolkfoundation.org.uk

The deadline for grant applications is January 14.

Nomination forms for volunteers and groups for the awards are also available from The Suffolk Foundation website or by calling 01473 786915.

Forms must be received by Tuesday for nominations in the Crimebeat category and by January 21 for all other awards.