From businesses working their way to the top, raising awareness of period poverty or showing up every match to referee, here are five times Suffolk received national recognition this year.

1. Ipswich Regent in top percentage of attractions worldwide

August 2024

The Regent Theatre in Ipswich has received an award from Tripadvisor for the second year running.

Ipswich Regent Theatre has won an award, giving them national recognitionIpswich Regent Theatre has won an award, giving them national recognition (Image: Ipswich Regent Theatre) The Tripadvisor Travellers Award is nationally recognised, and places the theatre in the top 10% of attractions worldwide.

The award is given based on consistent positive reviews and great ratings on Tripadvisor over 12 months.

2. Suffolk staff member wins award for her work on the development of maternity support workers

January 2024

Theresa Lancaster has received an award for her outstanding contribution to the development of maternity support workers.Theresa Lancaster has received an award for her outstanding contribution to the development of maternity support workers (Image: NHS West Suffolk Hospital) Theresa Lancaster, education and practice development lead for maternity support workers, was presented with her award certificate and badge during a visit to West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds.

She was nominated by colleagues in the maternity team for the award, which recognised her exceptional commitment to enhancing support staffs’ professional development and ensuring they are recognised on the unit.

3. King's birthday honours

June 2024

Celia Hodson, founder and CEO of Hey Girls (Image: Hey Girls) Celia Hodson, among many others, made the King's Birthday Honours list this year for her services to raising awareness of period poverty.

She was one of many in the county to receive a nod in the list - see them all below.

READ MORE: All the Suffolk people in King's Birthday Honours List 2024

4. Suffolk football referee wins Referee Recognition award

June 2024

Ian Moore (centre) receives his award from FA Cup Final referee Andy Madley and Nicoletta Bria, who was assistant referee for the Women’s FA Cup FinalIan Moore (centre) receives his award from FA Cup Final referee Andy Madley and Nicoletta Bria, who was assistant referee for the Women’s FA Cup Final (Image: FA) Ian Moore, a Suffolk FA official who referees Ipswich Youth Leagues, Suffolk and Ipswich Leagues and Sunday Morning League, was highly commended in the Inspirational Role Model category at the Referee Recognition Awards.

Mr Moore has been refereeing since 2006 and was among more than 500 nominations at the awards.

5. Watson and Walpole

August 2024

Watson and Walpole Italian restaurant earned national recognition for their affordable lunch menuWatson and Walpole Italian restaurant earned national recognition for their affordable lunch menu (Image: Charlotte Bond) Much-loved Italian restaurant, Watson and Walpole, received national recognition in the Telegraph newspaper for its affordable but delicious lunch.

The business has faced some financial setbacks according to Ruth Watson, co-owner.

She said: "We remember who comes to us regularly, and having locals who know what we do is important to us."