The Argus today begins its annual search for the undiscovered heroes of Sussex.
People deserving recognition for their contribution to the community will be celebrated in the Argus Achievement Awards 2005.
We need you to tell us who should be given special praise for their actions during the past year.
Last weekend at the Oscars, famous actors wearing fabulous designer clothes were rewarded for their talent.
Out of the spotlight and off the red carpet are thousands of ordinary adults and children who make a real difference to people's lives every day.
The teacher who puts in extra time to make school a great place to be, the child who cares for a disabled parent or the doctor who rebuilds damaged lives all deserve awards as much as the diamond-clad Oscar-winners.
Unselfish, brave, caring and determined, these are the people who hold communities and families together.
The Argus and sponsors EDF Energy have been giving achievement awards in 12 categories since the scheme was launched in 2002.
Voting forms will appear in the paper from today and for the next two weeks we will publish examples of nominees to help you decide how to vote.
Nominations will close on Friday, March 25 and a panel of judges will choose three finalists in each category.
Their stories will be detailed in a special supplement and the public asked to choose the winners.
They will then be invited to an award ceremony at the Brighton Metropole Hotel on Friday, May 6, along with the person who nominated them.
ITN newsreader Nicholas Owen is to present the awards for the fourth year running and guests will be treated to a champagne reception and three-course meal.
The categories are Achiever of the Year, Parent of the Year, Angel of the Year, Courageous Child of the Year, the Beyond the Call of Duty award, School of the Year, Pupil of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Charity of the Year, Good Neighbour of the Year and Local Hero of the Year.
The final category is the Contribution to Sussex Award. The winner of this award will be chosen by incoming editor of The Argus Michael Beard and announced on the night of the ceremony.
The Beyond the Call of Duty Award will again be made in memory of Jeff Tooley, a police officer knocked down and killed in Shoreham in 1999.
The Local Hero of the Year Award will be in memory of actor Adam Faith, who died in 2003.
Travers Clarke-Walker, director of marketing for EDF Energy, said: "Through our brand Seeboard Energy, EDF Energy has supported The Argus Achievement Awards for the last three years.
"EDF Energy is dedicated to supporting the local community and we are proud to be involved in these awards which recognise the achievements of extraordinary local people.
"There are many individuals and groups who go beyond the call of duty to make the community in which we live and work a better place and we are delighted to be able to play a part in rewarding the achievements of outstanding people."
Pat Lewis, acting editor of The Argus, said: "It's wonderful to be able to honour people who do so much for others."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article