THERE is still an opportunity to make a nomination for the 2010 Pride in the Community Awards.Nominations officially closed yesterday but we have received so many entries that we will still be accepting completed forms until Thursday, June 17.

THERE is still an opportunity to make a nomination for the 2010 Pride in the Community Awards.

Nominations officially closed yesterday but we have received so many entries that we will still be accepting completed forms until Thursday, June 17.

Among those receiving a nomination is Pat Rayner, who for more many years has been a huge supporter of Lowestoft Hospital and the town's carnival.

One of many people supporting her nomination is David Hatton, who says Mrs Rayner has been a pillar of the community for more than 40 years.

Mrs Rayner was a founder member of the North Suffolk Hospital Equipment and Building Appeal in 1966 and has continually supported Lowestoft Hospital as well as becoming chairman of the Friends of Lowestoft Hospital and chairman of the Lowestoft Carnival Committee.

'In addition to caring for her husband and organising the many carnival events Pat still keeps a motherly eye on happenings at the hospital,' said Mr Hatton.

'She stocks the trolley shop for patients and supervises the buying and wrapping of Christmas presents for those people unfortunate enough to spend Christmas in hospital.

'She is also heavily involved with NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney and is always in the front to support or defend our local hospital and medical services.'

Other nominations include police officers PC Martin Skuse, who has been at Bungay for the past 11 years, and Special Constable Jonathon Church who is based at Lowestoft.

Both officers have given outstanding service to their communities for a number of years.

The Kind Neighbour of the Year category has also received many nominations, including one for John and Ann Frost of Broome, near Bungay.

Clint and Mickey Gillett describe John and Ann as 'wonderful examples' of their community who go out of their way to help others.

Many teachers have also won the support of their colleagues and pupils and have been nominated for an award.

The Pride in the Community Awards are a partnership between the Lowestoft Journal, Beccles and Bungay Journal, and Pleasurewood Hills, to give thanks to those leading lights in our lives.

The awards are being held on Tuesday, July 13, at Pleasurewood Hills, in Leisure Way, Lowestoft, in the form of a summer garden party after the closure of the park.

All shortlisted nominees and their families will be treated to a delicious buffet and drinks prepared by the park caterers, which will be served by the lake.

A spectacular free performance of the summer show Circus and Street Arts will follow in the Castle Theatre before the presentation of the awards by Pleasurewood Hills manager Alexis Camelin and Lowestoft Journal editor Max Bennett.

Our sponsor Pleasurewood Hills, established in the early 1980s, is proud to have been part of the community for 27 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 and the community. Having won the Best Visitor Experience 2009 award at the Tourism in Suffolk awards, it only re-iterates the point of working together to continue the shared community partnerships.

We are looking for selfless individuals or groups who work quietly to achieve their goals and help others without every expecting anything in return.

Don't forget it is not too late to make a nomination. To nominate someone for one of the nine categories fill in the entry form. Entries close on Thursday, June 17.