SUSSEX hosts an abundance of outstanding individuals and organisations whose hard and inspiring work often goes unnoticed.

From great grandparents and courageous carers to young sports stars and brilliant businesses – the county has it all. This year, The Argus aims to celebrate Sussex’s resident superstars by hosting the first ever Community Star Awards – known for the past 12 years as The Argus Achievement Awards.

On November 1, at the iconic Theatre Royal Brighton, the county’s finest will gather at a lavish evening of reward and recognition hosted by TV presenter Nick Owen.

The awards ceremony will feature 20 categories, including Community Star of the Year, Local Hero Award, Beyond the Call of Duty Award, Parent of the Year, Charity of the Year, Employee of the Year, Young Sports Star of the Year and Community Event of the Year.

This event is backed by some of the biggest names in Sussex, including American Express, UK Power Networks, Southern Water, Legal & General, Hilton Metropole, Juice FM, Mears, AVT, Gap Solutions and the Pembroke Care Group, who have sponsored one or more of the 20 awards.

Ivan Mainprize, of American Express, said: “The Community Stars Awards showcase remarkable efforts made here in Sussex year on year.

“At American Express, we believe it is important to reward those individuals and organisations who are making valuable contributions to the communities where they live and work. We are proud to be involved with the Outstanding Contribution to Sussex Award for the fifth consecutive year.”

However, the awards could not go ahead without you, our readers.

We want to hear who you think is deserving of a Community Star award? Who are your inspirational teachers, carers, volunteers and pupils? Which charity deserves recognition? Which is the most deserving business, the best event, school, local hero and more? There are a number of ways you can have your say.

You can fill out the online form or send your suggestions by email to ben.leo@theargus.co.uk.

Please include your name, address and contact number along with your nominee’s name, address, category and reason for nomination.

A panel of judges, led by The Argus editor Michael Beard will then select the top three in each category in time for the November ceremony.

Mr Beard said: “We are delighted to be putting on this event again and we expect more nominations than ever.

“Sussex is an incredible place, full of incredible people. It is humbling to read the nominations as they come in and it is always difficult trying to pick just three for the ceremony.”