Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards 2023 finalists revealed

Since August, dozens of nominations have been received and in turn were given to a panel of judges who made some tough decisions.

Editor of the EDP, Richard Porritt, said: “Once again, we had so many exceptional entries for this year's awards.

"We are in constant admiration of the individuals and organisations who have gone the extra mile in their local communities.  

"As always, it was incredibly difficult for our judges to pick the winners, as everyone is very deserving,  

"Now we are looking forward to celebrating with them all at what has become a favourite event on the calendar."  

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For more than a decade, the awards have celebrated the best from our local communities.  

An annual celebration, it highlights those unseen acts of kindness, bravery and selflessness that make our region so special.

This year’s awards will be an unforgettable event, marking another year of courage and exceptional community spirit.   

The winners will be announced on December 1 and a special winners supplement will appear in the EDP on December 2.    

All of the finalists will be invited to a special afternoon event at the Assembly House on November 30.    

The awards are organised in-house by the EDP and Norwich Evening News.  

Winners will receive a trophy, certificate and a bottle of champagne (under 18s will receive a gift), as well as tickets to the Norwich Theatre pantomime Sleeping Beauty, courtesy of Norwich Theatre.    

• All updates can be found at www.starsofnorfolk.co.uk   

THE FINALISTS

Animal Hero of the Year - sponsored by Redwings Horse Sanctuary  

Alfie (dog)  

Bo Peep (miniature donkey)  

Dot On Thyme (horse)  

Morgan (cat)  

Carer of the Year     

Judith Cooper  

Linda Allison  

Sian Moy  

Charity Hero of the Year - The Potters Friends Foundation 

Helen Eckles   

Kirsty Woods   

Penny Harris  

Richard Thurlow  

Excellence in Education Award - sponsored by Step Teachers     

Kieran Goreman   

Danny Sweatman   

Teresa Grix  

Gemma Keough  

Lifetime Commitment to the Community Award - sponsored by Norwich Theatre      

Gez Chetal   

Shirley Ramm 

Steven Russell   

Trudi Revell  

NHS and Emergency Services Personnel of the Year     

Carl Smith   

Jordan Ellis and Andy Ormiston   

Kate Stanton  

Stalham Fire Station, On Call Crew  

Outstanding Bravery Act of the Year     

Chloe Holmes  

Scott Stones  

Theo Maun and Max Sterry 

Team/Community Group of the Year     

SOS Bus Norwich  

Dereham Litter Pickers  

Dereham Ukraine Aid Centre   

Iceni Rugby Football Club  

Unsung Community Hero of the Year     

Jackie Hamilton   

Stu Burman   

Stacy Bradley  

Joseph Ballard  

Young Person of the Year - sponsored by Vattenfall     

Elias Fenn  

Mason and Bastian Spagnola  

Sofia Honey Adcock  

Theo Yeldham  

Non-entry categories that will be revealed at the event 

The Judges' Special Award will be awarded to a finalist who deserves extra recognition. 

The Overall Star of Norfolk & Waveney will be crowned from the winning nominee.