A regional daily newspaper has launched a bid to find sponsors for its prestigious achievement awards.

The Argus, Brighton, will hold its annual awards for the ninth time in October to recognise the outstanding achievements of people from across Sussex.

A panel of judges chaired by editor Michael Beard will pick winners for each of 18 categories including achiever of the year, parent of the year, community of the year and outstanding pupil of the year.

The Newsquest title has already secured sponsorship from Legal and General, Theatre Royal Brighton and City Cabs for the event and is seeking further businesses to come forward.

Lottie Elson, Newsquest Sussex marketing manager, said: “The awards are bigger and better this year with some exciting new categories that really should help engage the whole community in the campaign.

“The amount of exposure each brand will receive across the multi platform and prolonged campaign is excellent and we’ve already got some great local and national businesses signed up.

Last year, the ceremony was attended by several hundred guests and the BBC’s Nick Owen hosted it.