TODAY The Argus is proud to launch its annual Community Stars Awards.

The awards return for the 19th year to recognise the outstanding achievements of men, women, children and organisations across Sussex.

They will be presented at a glittering ceremony at The Grand hotel in Brighton on Sunday, January 20.

This year’s awards are to be presented by Tom, Nicola and Jack who together make up Heart’s Breakfast Team on the radio. The headline sponsor is Legal and General.

Editor Arron Hendy said: “The Community Stars Awards champion all those who deserve recognition for their selfless, brave or generous actions during the past year and provide an opportunity to honour those who have touched all of our lives.

“Hundreds of nominations are made every year by families and friends who want to celebrate the stars in our community and acknowledge the achievements they have made without thought of personal reward or public recognition.

“The Argus offers extensive coverage of the awards, running over five months, where readers are invited to nominate people/groups/businesses within each set category.

“The shortlisted nominees will then be invited to the awards ceremony which, this year, will be held at The Grand, Brighton, where there will be tears, laughter and applaud from the room as stories of this year’s heroes unfold.”

The categories are:

Local Hero of the year

Beyond The Call of Duty

Courageous Child of the Year

Charity of the Year

Community Event of the Year

Contribution to Arts and Culture

Volunteer of the Year

Young Community Star of the Year

Carer of the Year

999 Award

Business in the Community

Defying all the Odds

Green Project/Person of the Year

Young Sports Star of the Year

Contribution to Sussex Sport

Youth Group of the Year

Outstanding Contribution to Sussex

Community Star of the Year.

Mr Hendy said: “We are thrilled to be at The Grand hotel this year, it’s the perfect venue.

“And it goes without saying that Tom, Nicola and Jack from Heart are hugely popular.

“Since I became editor 18 months ago, I vowed that we would bring the Argus closer to the community.

“This is one such example, and I’m so proud The Argus is running those awards.

“Everyone must know someone who deserves to be nominated.

“I would urge everyone to look at the categories and think who is worthy of such recognition.”

Details of how to enter will appear in The Argus every Thursday and Saturday, starting this Saturday.