Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards 2023 winners announced 

It's the 11th year the Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards have taken place. 

And the annual event continues to shine a light on those in our community who have shown selfless acts of kindness, bravery or heroism.  

Organised by this newspaper, the awards are an opportunity to thank the groups, organisations, and individuals who have gone the extra mile across 12 different categories.  

The Overall Star award, which is decided by the judges, went to Steven Russell, who has worked for the Norfolk County Council for more than 30 years, ensuring equal opportunities for disabled people and those with learning difficulties. 

He is a chair of trustees for charity, the Bridge for Heroes.  

He has also travelled to India for many years assisting the Bethesda's Trust, taking abandoned and at-risk children to safe and vital homes and orphanages that he has also helped to build.    

EDP editor Richard Porritt said: "I'm proud we've been able to put on another memorable Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards. 

“Every year, the awards acknowledge the amazing deeds being carried out in the area.  

"They also give us the opportunity to give our winners and finalists the recognition they deserve.

"Thank you to everyone who has helped to put this year's event on - including all of our sponsors - and the in-house team who worked so hard on the event." 

Held at the Assembly House in Norwich, the awards presentation took place on Thursday, November 30. 

All the winners received tickets from Norwich Theatre to this year’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty.  

• Get a copy of Saturday's EDP for an eight-page special supplement from the event, featuring photographs of all the winners and their stories.  

The full list of the EDP Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards 2022 winners:    

Animal Hero of the Year sponsored by Redwings Horse Sanctuary  

Winner: Alfie (dog)  

Finalists: 

Bo Peep (miniature donkey)  

Dot on Thyme (horse)   

Morgan (cat)    

Carer of the Year   

Winner: Sian Moy   

Finalists: 

Judith Cooper    

Linda Allison    

Charity Hero of the Year Award sponsored by Potters Friends Foundation  

Winner: Richard Thurlow    

Finalists: 

Helen Eckles   

Kirsty Woods    

Penny Harris    

Excellence in Education category sponsored by Step Teachers   

Winner: Teresa Grix    

Finalists: 

Danny Sweatman    

Gemma Keough    

Kieron Goreman    

Lifetime Commitment to the Community sponsored by Norwich Theatre  

Winner: Steven Russell    

Finalists: 

Gez Chetal    

Shirley Ramm    

Trudi Revell    

NHS & Emergency Services Personnel of the Year   

Winner: Stalham Fire Station, On Call Crew    

Finalists: 

Carl Smith    

Jordan Ellis and Andy Ormiston    

Kate Stanton    

Outstanding Bravery Act of the Year   

Winner: Scott Stones  

Finalists: 

Chloe Holmes   

Theo Maun and Max Terry   

Team/Community Group of the Year   

Winner: SOS Bus Norwich    

Finalists: 

Dereham Community Litter Pickers   

Dereham Ukraine Aid Centre    

Iceni Rugby Football Club    

Unsung Community Hero of the Year   

Winner: Stu Burman    

Finalists: 

Jackie Hamilton    

Joseph Ballard    

Stacy Bradley    

Young Person of the Year sponsored by Vattenfall   

Winner: Theo Yeldham    

Finalists: 

Ellis Fenn    

Mason and Bastian Spagnola    

Sofia Honey Adcock   

Judges’ Special Award  (non-entry category)  

This award was decided by the judges and goes to someone who has not won a previous category, but nevertheless deserves recognition.    

The finalists in this category were Jackie Hamilton, Bo Peep, Chloe Holmes, Dereham Ukraine Centre and Danny Sweatman.    

The winner of the Judges’ Special Award was the Iceni Rugby Football Club from the Team/Community Group of the Year.   

Overall Star of Norfolk and Waveney (non-entry category) 

Chosen by the judges from one of the category winners, the winner of the Overall Star or Norfolk and Waveney was Steven Russell.