ENTRIES have started to come in for this year's Pride in the Community Awards from across the Waveney valley.The Journal has linked up with Pleasurewood Hills to recognise a host of inspirational people who make their own community a better place to be.

ENTRIES have started to come in for this year's Pride in the Community Awards from across the Waveney valley.

The Journal has linked up with Pleasurewood Hills to recognise a host of inspirational people who make their own community a better place to be.

And this year we have extended the annual event to the Beccles, Bungay and Halesworth area to track down even more people who deserve a vote of thanks for their kindness to others.

Amongst the nominees are Denes High School student Jason Foulger who has been identified as a community hero for volunteering with a youth organisation in Gunton, helping at his church and a member of the Gunton Community Park project.

He was nominated by Adam Robertson who said: 'It's a privilege to know Jason as a friend and as a person because he is a community hero in many eyes.'

Another nomination is for Rachel Keal as Teacher of the Year.

Mrs Keal is employed at Ilketshall St Lawrence Primary School, near Bungay and was nominated by Ian Crowe, whose granddaughter attends the school. Mr Crowe said he admired the way she allows children the self belief and confidence to say they love school.

Mr Crowe said: 'I select Mrs Keal for her wall to wall quality, the manner in which she allows children to gain confidence and attitude, the full ownership she offers pupils, the way she hears, rather than just listening to their highs and lows and gently helping them.'

We are looking for kind, selfless and caring individuals who go out of their way to help others with good deeds, without ever seeking anything in return.

Alongside this, we are also keen to hear about budding entrepreneurs, star employees and businesses which have really made their mark.

It could be your favourite teacher, a child who has triumphed over adversity or a remarkable person who has succeeded against the odds.

All of these people are genuine, hard working people who would never actively look for recognition, but we need you to tell us their heartfelt stories so we can reward them.

The awards will take place at Pleasurewood Hills, on Tuesday, July 7 and will begin with a summer garden party, which will include drinks and a buffet by the lake.

This will be followed by a free Circus and Tango show for guests inside the Castle Theatre before the presentation of award winners hosted by Journal editor Russell Cook and Pleasurewood Hills manager Yves Delhommeau.

Pleasurewood Hills, established in the early 1980s is proud to have been part of the community for more than 25 years and is a key part of the region's heritage.

The park also supports many local businesses who supply a range of goods and materials. This commitment to the economy and the people that live and work in the area will provide genuine value to the awards.

All shortlisted entrants will be contacted by the end of June and are invited with members of their family to the lavish awards ceremony.

To nominate someone for one of the nine categories listed on this page fill in the entry form with the category of your choice together with your name, address, daytime telephone number and if possible a recent photograph of that person.

Please also include on a separate piece of paper why you think the person you are putting forward has Pride in their Community.

Entries close on Monday, June 15, at 5pm.