The Evening Star and Suffolk County Council have launched a quest to find people of inspiration, bravery and compassion. They have become shining lights in the lives of others because of their extraordinary achievements.
But they are the hidden stars of Suffolk and we asked you to give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them.
2009 winners
Overall Star of Suffolk and Outstanding Bravery
Mandy Gavin spared no thought for her own safety when she pulled Clare Scarfe from her burning car seconds before it exploded. Her heroism has had an extraordinary impact on Clare's life and the pair are now great friends.
Volunteer of the Year
Penny Parker has been fundraising tirelessly for Guide Dogs for the Blind and has been a familiar face in The Evening Star since looking after future guide dog, Star. She also finds time to be a full-time carer as well as running the 1st Old Felixstowe Brownies.
Carer/ Foster Carer of the Year
Sue Eastwood has provided a safe and loving home for dozens of children for many years as a foster carer for Suffolk County Council. Sue does not close her front door at the end of the working day - she willingly cares 24/7 with the “patience of a saint”.
Courageous Child
Kyle Knights has battled back from serious brain injuries and broken bones after being hit by a car two days after his 16th birthday. Doctors feared he would never recover, let alone walk again. He also lost all his memories and has just celebrated his first Christmas again.
Fire Service Person of the Year
Firefighters Simon Thompson, Mick Lowther, Richard Clarke and Ian Brooks were the ultimate team when they saved an elderly man's life by rescuing him from a burning house in Newmarket. With the fire raging around them, the crew found the victim in the bedroom and helped him down a ladder to the waiting ambulance.
Ambulance Person of the Year
Paul Gedney's quick-thinking saved Chris Palmer's life as he lay dying after a motorbike crash. With Chris's collapsed lung forcing air into his chest - a condition that can kill in minutes - Paul performed a rare operation using a tube to release the air through his chest.
Police Person of the Year
Pc Alistair Maidment and Sgt Alistair Livingstone displayed extraordinary courage beyond their duty when they grabbed hold of a suicidal man who tried to throw himself off an 80ft car park.
Search and Rescue Person of the Year
Jonathan Harvey is a dedicated teenager who has flown up the ranks in the Felixstowe Volunteer Coastal Patrol since joining at the age of 14. He has unselfishly put himself in harm's way and has already been involved in several life-saving rescues and helped fight a serious fire to save the burning Felixstowe pier.
Best Neighbour of the Year
Joyce Mitson has found time around caring for her disabled husband to look after a 90-year-old neighbour. On her pearl wedding anniversary, she and her husband, Bill, paid for 36 friends to have dinner out.
Inspirational Teacher of the Year
John Richards willingly gives up his time to take after-school classes at his house. The Grundisburgh Primary School teacher is also organising a big music concert for all the primary schools in the area. The children love him and he has been described as the “pied piper”.
Unsung Hero/ Heroine of the Year
Nikki Reynolds won thanks to the tireless work she does running the Stowmarket Autistic Spectrum Disorder Club in Stowmarket. Faith Lewis, whose six-year-old daughter Molly goes to the club, said Nikki has revolutionised her family.
Hospital Hero/ Heroine of the Year
David Rae has saved many lives with his cool head, most notably that of Gavin Elliott who was being attacked by a flesh-eating superbug.