Voting ends on 7 September – VOTE FOR PETER JAMES HERE!

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.

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 Marlets Hospice Champion.

Not content with that, he also regularly supports the Backup Trust for Spinal Injuries, The Chichester Life Centre, Book Trade Benevolent Society, Starehe Boy’s Centre in Kenya and Action Medical Research.