It’s almost that time of year again: the Bristol Post will soon be celebrating its annual Gold Star awards.

The Bristol Post Gold Star Awards recognise ordinary people who have done extraordinary things. Some have saved lives, some have cared for others, some have raised huge sums for charity or have made a real difference to their communities.

Sponsored by Bank of Ireland, the Bristol Post Gold Star awards are now in their 23rd year – but each year the winners never fail to amaze us.

Over the past few weeks we’ve been revealing the winners of our 11 award categories. Now, we’re asking readers of the Bristol Post to vote for the category winner that they think deserves the title of Gold Star Hero 2017.

To vote, you need to head to the link below where you can read all our winners’ stories and vote for the one you think is the most inspirational.

The winner will be revealed via Facebook Live at the Gold Star Awards Ceremony on December 5.

Last year, the title of Gold Star Hero went to ‘Marathon Man’ Ben Smith, who ran 401 Marathons in as many days to raise awareness and funds for anti-bullying charities.

Ben Smith, our Gold Star Hero 2016
Ben Smith, our Gold Star Hero 2016

Ben, from Portishead, was tormented by bullies as a child and nearly driven to suicide in his teens but overcame the tough times, largely through his love of running.

Ben said upon accepting his award: "It was an experience of a lifetime.

"Running for me was something that gave me back confidence and self-esteem. But what we wanted to do was to give others the opportunity to live that as well – and we did. Nine and a half thousand people ran with us and ran further than they ever had before in their life."

Every year the Gold Star awards produce some heart- warming tales of incredible bravery, ingenuity and selflessness - and 2017 has been no exception.

Bristol Post editor Mike Norton said: "There's a line in a Morrissey song: "It's easy to laugh; it's easy to hate – but it takes guts to be gentle and kind."

"Our Gold Star Winners have shown an extraordinary amount of guts - and kindness.

"The Bristol Post has been honouring inspirational Bristolians with Gold Stars for more than twenty years, and once again it's been an honour to tell their stories."

Bank of Ireland: Headline Sponsor of the Bristol Post Gold Star Awards 2017

Bank of Ireland UK is delighted to be supporting the 23rd annual Bristol Post Gold Star Awards.

Bank of Ireland has a long association with Bristol through the purchase of Bristol & West Building Society, whose roots in the City date back to 1850.

Our Bristol employees have a deep-rooted connection with the Bristol community. No event celebrates this more than the Gold Star Awards, which gives an opportunity to thank those people who have made extraordinary contributions during 2017.

Our decision to partner with the Bristol Post as title sponsors of the Gold Star Awards was an easy one. The passion and belief demonstrated by everyone at the Bristol Post about these Awards is truly infectious. The opportunity to recognise and reward outstanding achievements fits perfectly with our core values and allows us to continue to demonstrate our long-term commitment to the area.

Bristol Water, sponsoring Gold Star Charity Champion

Bristol Water has been supplying drinking water for over 167 years in and around Bristol, always striving to provide high quality services and value for money. Our aim is to provide an outstanding water service in an environmentally sustainable way.

We are committed to not just provide exceptional customer service, but be at the heart of our community, after all water is everywhere in our everyday life.

We are very proud to sponsor the Gold Star Charity Champion Award.

Gregor Heating, sponsoring Gold Star Environmental Hero

Gregor Heating, Electrical and Renewable Heating is this year’s sponsor of the Environmental Hero Award.

Gregor Heating is a friendly local installer that has been helping South West families to heat their homes for over 30 years. The company’s motto, “we’re not happy until you’re happy” is known as the Gregor Guarantee.

Brunelcare, Sponsor of Gold Star Carer

Brunelcare are proud to be sponsoring The Gold Star awards which recognises and thank carers for the hard work and dedication they show every day. As an employer of over 1000 carers we understand and are proud to promote the importance that the role of a Carer has, in supporting people to make the most of their lives.

Bristol Hippodrome, Sponsor of Gold Star Award for Courage

The Bristol Hippodrome is delighted to be supporting the Gold Star Awards again this year in 2017. This year we are supporting the award for Courage and will again be astounded by the incredible stories that come to our attention.

In our opinion the Gold Star Awards is one of the most inspirational days in the Bristol calendar. Individuals overcoming exceptional situations that often exceed fiction and drama should be recognised and we are so pleased to be invited to share and support such a wonderful occasion.

Jordans Ltd, Sponsor of Gold Star Community Hero

Giving back to the wider community both here and further afield is an important part of our ethos and so we are delighted to be once again supporting the 23rd annual Bristol Post Gold Star Awards. As sponsors of the Community Hero Award, we are proud to be part of this fantastic, heart-warming event that truly celebrates the remarkable achievements of the nominees, not just of this particular award but right across the board. They are all heroes.

Dribuild, Sponsor of Gold Star Lifesaver Award

Dribuild is delighted to be able to sponsor the Gold Star Lifesaver award this year and to support and thank these local heroes who have saved lives and shown great courage in the face of adversity.

Matt Tyler, Managing Director of Dribuild, said “Acknowledging the strength and courageousness of these individuals is very important to us as a local business which is proud to supports its communities and the individuals within it. To find the strength– suddenly without warning – to act in such a way and to instinctively know that the life of another was certainly as important, if not more important, than those nominated here, deserves huge recognition.”

CR Windows, Sponsor of Gold Star Local Hero

CR Windows are the largest manufacturer and installer of PVC-u windows , doors and conservatories in Bristol.

We are very proud to be sponsors of the Gold Star Awards as we believe that this is an awards ceremony that truly does reward those local heroes, and provides us all with an opportunity to say a huge thank you and a massive well done. It is what local awards should all be about, rewarding local people who have made a difference.

Viridor, Sponsor of Gold Star Volunteer Hero

Viridor is one of the UK’s largest recycling and renewable energy companies and part of the South West-based Pennon Group Plc, one of the largest environmental infrastructure groups in the UK.

Viridor’s purpose is to give the world’s resources new life. Every day, Viridor takes what British homes and businesses throw away and transforms it into essential quality materials, resources and energy for customers across the UK and globally.

Viridor is proud to represent the Gold Star Volunteer of the Year award.

Computerworld, Sponsor of Gold Star Achiever Award

ComputerWorld is one of the UK's most trusted providers of expert business IT solutions, consultation, training and support. We’re not just the UK’s most passionate and knowledgeable IT experts, but we’re the only company that delivers the complete breadth of IT solutions with a truly personal service.

We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Gold Star Achiever Award 2017. Congratulations to all winners.