SUFFOLK'S bravest, most selfless and dedicated people have been crowned 2011 Stars of Suffolk – and among them was a Lowestoft woman who works to help disadvantaged youngsters.

At an awards ceremony held at Endeavour House in Ipswich last Friday, 16 deserving winners were announced to rapturous applause, tears and standing ovations from the 280-strong audience.

They included overall winner, lorry driver Graham Kew, who heroically saved an 18-month old baby girl, Alisha, from a 70mph crash on the A14 in which her father sadly died. He spotted Alisha in the road and rescued her.

Also honoured was 95-year-old-war veteran Ken Scott for his remarkable life, serving his country and being a stalwart of the now world-famous processions bringing home fallen soldiers through the Wiltshire town of Royal Wootton Bassett.

The awards were organised by Suffolk County Council and newspapers published by Archant including The Journal, and its sister papers, the Beccles and Bungay Journal and Ipswich Evening Star.

Flying the flag for Waveney was Jackie Hoyes, from Lowestoft, who was judged the Social Worker of the Year.

Jackie has worked in social care and with children and young people since 1977. She now works with children in need in Lowestoft and the Waveney area.

The award for Police Person of the Year, sponsored by The Journal, won by Becky Kidd-Stanton.

Becky constantly works hard to eliminate anti-social behaviour in Suffolk.

She was instrumental in bringing the Best Bar None Scheme to Suffolk and it has won a national award for the 'Most Innovative Scheme for 2010'.

The Beccles and Bungay Journal sponsored the Hospital/Ambulance Hero/heroine of the Year award which was won by Jo Richardson.

Jo has set up an outreach service for chemotherapy patients in Suffolk and is determined to improve care for cancer patients. She is heavily involved with the Woolverstone Wish Charitable Campaign which aims to raise �800,000 to improve facilities for cancer patients.

She was presented with her award by Beccles and Bungay Journal editor David Lennard.

There were 47 finalists hoping to be named Stars of Suffolk following three months of public nominations and voting by judges.

The awards were delivered in partnership between Suffolk County Council, the Evening Star and the Archant group.

Mark Bee, Suffolk County Council's leader, said: 'It was a truly humbling experience to hear so many stories of bravery, selflessness and dedication.'