Our Heroes are simply the best! (VIDEO)

HEROES of all ages and from all walks of life were honoured last night at a glittering star-studded ceremony.

Celebrities turned out in force to pay tribute to people from across North Staffordshire and South Cheshire in the third annual Our Heroes awards.

The Sentinel teamed up with Britannia Building Society to honour people who excel in their communities. More than 150 entries were received in the different categories and 29 awards were handed out.

Video highlights from Our Heroes

And more than £18,000 was presented in prize money with each winner also receiving a framed photo certificate and a bottle of champagne.

Recognised for their outstanding achievements were: Children of Courage; Good Neighbours; Community Groups; Bright Young Things; Charity Champions; Heroes of the NHS; School Stars and those going Beyond the Call of Duty.

There was also an Editor's Special Award which went to the Women Fighting for Herceptin group whose campaign forced the Government to make the revolutionary breast cancer drug available on the NHS.

Campaign leader Dot Griffiths said: "The reception has been tremendous, it's overwhelming and we are honoured to receive an award."

The first-ever Britannia Building Society Fairness Award went to lovestoke.org, a group of volunteers who set up a website to promote the Potteries.

Among those who turned out to support the event were TV presenter Nick Hancock, darts legend Phil Taylor, BBC football pundit Mark Bright, Colonel Tim Sandiford, the last commanding officer of The Staffordshire Regiment, TV presenter Wendy Turner-Webster and Robbie's mum Jan Williams.

Mr Hancock said: "It's a wonderful event and brings a tear to the eye every year."

Michael Sassi, Editor-in-Chief of Staffordshire Sentinel News and Media, said: "We have so many people in Stoke-on-Trent who do incredible, fantastic things and they shouldn't be taken for granted."

Graham Leftwich, Britannia Building Society's Business Leader for Group Communications, said: "People don't know how special they are and it's great we can shine a bright light on these remarkable people doing remarkable things."

The Our Heroes Award ceremony was held at the Best Western Moat House on Festival Park.