SINGER songwriter Olly Murs has shown his support for a special Essex awards competition.

The Pride of Essex Awards were started in 1994 by Susie Cornell MBE, from the Cornell Centre health clinic in Chelmsford, to recognise and award achievement over adversity.

Susie herself has battled back from significant adversity having suffered from multiple sclerosis for more than 30 years.

Essex singer Olly Murs got behind the awards by reminding residents to enter their suggestions before the 2017 nominations close on Friday, October 20.

The star-studded presentations are set to take place on Tuesday, November 21, at Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford.

Olly, from Witham, said “Everyone should know how proud I am to be from Essex.”

He said we must all appreciate the young adults in Essex for achieving great things and inspiring others.

The individual categories are - Directa Ultimate Award - recognising and rewarding exceptional adults who help others, Cornell Centre Child of Courage Award recognising and rewarding inspirational children who overcome adversity, St Lawrence Caravans Unsung Hero- recognising and rewarding exceptional care in the community.

Other categories include Potters Resort Community Champion Award- recognising and rewarding outstanding achievement and fundraising within the community and P & A Wood Inspirational Youth Award- recognising and rewarding outstanding achievements and help in the community by young adults.

The special awards include - Star of Essex, sponsored by the Chelmsford Star Co-operative, for outstanding service by a group to the community and TOP team, Team of Pride Award, Sponsored by John Lewis, for outstanding team effort.

Full details can be found at www.prideofessexawards.org.uk