O RDINARY people who go about their lives in an extraordinary way. From Bright Young Thing to Community Group of the Year, from Child of Courage to Hero of the NHS. On a evening of tears and celebration, the men, women and children who form the backbone of our community were honoured at the fourth annual Our Heroes awards last night. People like 69-year-old John Knight, vice chairman of the Union Street and Forest Park Residents' Association in Hanley. John was awarded the Good Neighbour accolade after arranging for door alarms to be installed for more than 700 residents and setting up a scheme for people living in three high-rise tower blocks worried about bogus callers. People like 14-year-old sisters Sophi and Sammi Webb, of Bentilee. Sophi has twice undergone brain surgery. Sammi helps her in every way she can, including with her medication. They received the Child of Courage award.

T he event is a fitting way for North Staffordshire and South Cheshire to celebrate the everyday heroes who are an inspiration to us all. The Sentinel, as a community newspaper at the heart of local life, is proud to champion the awards. Our winners are not the kind to court publicity. They are not out to brag or boast. Instead they quietly get on with helping others. As the dust settles on another highly emotional presentation evening, today will be no different for them. Their stories will often go unreported, such is the nature of the men, women, boys and girls honoured last night. Our Heroes is a chance to remind ourselves of their dedication and commitment to others, and to recognise the role they play in making this a better place.