THEY are the leading lights in our community and with their inspiration and care Lowestoft and Southwold are much better places.The Journal has teamed up once again with Pleasurewood Hills to reward a host of selfless, caring and kind individuals during the third annual Pride in the Community Awards.

THEY are the leading lights in our community and with their inspiration and care Lowestoft and Southwold are much better places.

The Journal has teamed up once again with Pleasurewood Hills to reward a host of selfless, caring and kind individuals during the third annual Pride in the Community Awards.

And this year we are extending the popular event across the Waveney valley to Beccles, Bungay and Halesworth, with an opportunity to give thanks to even more people we know who make a huge impression on our lives.

The awards are being held on Tuesday, July 7, at Pleasurewood Hills, in Leisure Way, Lowestoft, in the form of a summer garden party after the closure of the park.

During the evening buffet and drinks will be served, followed by a spectacular free Circus and Tango Show for guests inside the Castle Theatre.

The evening will end on an extra high with the presentation of the award winners hosted by Journal editor Russell Cook and Pleaurewood Hills manager Yves Delhommeau.

We are looking for modest, hard working characters who work quietly to achieve their goals and help others without expecting anything in return.

It could be a child who has battled a serious illness, a kind neighbour who takes care of you - putting your needs before their own, or perhaps your favourite teacher who makes it worth going into school every day.

All these people show courage, compassion and good spirit and are the sort of people we want to recognise because they would never actively seek praise.

And it's up to you to tell us their amazing stories so we can reward them.

Our sponsor 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.

Mr Delhommeau said: 'Now in its third year, we are extremely delighted to sponsor this event once again. This evening is for each and every one of you, the finalists, the winners and all the nominees, for all that you give to others, sometimes without even realising what you do. We are extremely honoured to share it with you.'

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.