The final category to preview this year is the Outstanding Contribution to Sussex Award.
This is handed to someone who has professionally or personally made the county a better place.
The winner should be someone who is an inspiration to us all.
The bar is high with previous winners including Nick Dodds, head of the Brighton Festival; Roger French, chief executive of Brighton and Hove Bus Company; and Tony Bloom, Chairman of Brighton and Hove Albion.
The award is kindly sponsored for the fourth year by American Express. Ivan Mainprize, vice president at American Express, said: “We are proud to be involved with the awards and to be sponsoring the Outstanding Contribution to Sussex for the fourth consecutive year.
“At American Express we believe it’s important to recognise and reward those who make valuable contributions to the communities where they live and work. Year after year these awards showcase truly remarkable efforts made by individuals here in Sussex.”
The nominees have again been chosen by a select panel with the winner to be voted for by you.
MATT PRIOR
Wicketkeeper Matt Prior is in the form of his life.
The 31-year-old was named England Cricketer of the Year in May and continues his rich run of form in the current Ashes series.
Born in Johannesburg, his parents moved to England when he was 11 and he attended Brighton College.
He worked his way up through the ranks and after finishing school was snapped up by Sussex County Cricket Club.He has been a loyal servant ever since and has excelled both in front and behind the stumps.
But the now dad-of-one still finds time to show his charitable side and will often to found padding up for fundraising matches.
He is a proud adopted Brightonian and one of our most successful in recent years.
PETER JAMES
The 64-year-old author released the ninth book in his best-selling Roy Grace series this year.
He is regarded as one of the best crime writers of his generation and the Brighton-born writer continues to entertain and thrill millions around the world.
But the author’s books are just the tip of the iceberg of his work.
As well as joint patron of Neighbourhood Watch, he is patron of Sussex Crimestoppers, The Whitehawk Inn and Friends of Seaford Library.
He is also vice president of Brighton’s Old Police Cells Museum, ambassador for Brighton University and a Martlets Hospice Champion.
Not content with that, he also regularly supports The Sussex Community Foundation, The Backup Trust for Spinal Injuries, The Chichester Life Centre, Book Trade Benevolent Society, Starehe Boys' Centre in Kenya and Action Medical Research.
ADAM TRIMINGHAM
Adam Trimingham needs no introduction to readers of The Argus. The veteran journalist has graced the pages of this newspaper for decades – and continues to write his regular column, The Sage of Sussex.
As well as being a Freeman of the City, Adam was honoured with a bus named in his honour following his retirement.
His knowledge and love of this great city knows no bounds.
And his ability to communicate his expertise and sniff out stories has helped keep residents informed and entertained in equal measures for decades.
ANITA RODDICK
Anita Roddick’s enduring legacy can be witnessed in every high street in the country.
The Littlehampton-born founder of the Body Shop tackled the established cosmetics market head on – and helped change it forever.
Many thought her ideas of fair trade and ethical consumerism were idealistic.
But the entrepreneur stuck to her guns.
If she wasn’t busy running her retail empire she would devote her time to charitable work. She founded the organisation Children On The Edge following a visit to Romanian orphanages and was a regular in government committees and think tanks offering her expertise.
She died suddenly of a brain haemorrhage in 2007 but thanks to friends and family her work and legacy has continued.
SIMON FANSHAWE
Simon Fanshawe has some CV.
From starting out as a stand-up comedian he has turned his hand to broadcasting, writing, campaigning and is now chairman of the University of Sussex’s governing council.
It has been quite a year for the 56-year-old who was awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list for services to higher education.
Born in Wiltshire, he moved to Brighton and Hove for university and has remained here since.
Now residing in Kemp Town, he spearheaded the bid to secure city status and founded the Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership.
Tell us about your inspirational teachers, carers, volunteers, pupils and more.
We want to know which charity deserves recognition along with the most deserving business in the community, event, school, local hero and many more.
There are a number of ways you can have your say. You can simply fill out the online entry form.
You can also send your suggestion by email to ben.james@theargus.co.uk.
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