Potteries entertainer Pete Conway said: "It makes you realise that you are surrounded by very special people.

"You don't realise what goes on in people's lives until you come to an event like this. I feel very privileged to be here. It just makes you feel very humble."

Stoke's Top Talent winner Su Annagib said: "It's been an incredible experience for me.

"I've been in tears. I have worked with people with special needs for more than 10 years, but it was nothing compared to what people here have done.

"They are not just heroes, they are angels."

Charity champion and Robbie Williams's mum Jan Williams said: "It seems like Our Heroes just goes from strength to strength and it gets more professional each year.

"It's fantastic to see ordinary people being rewarded for doing such great things that other people don't even realise they are doing."

World Cup-winning keeper and Stoke City legend Gordon Banks said: "I'm always happy to come to Our Heroes because I think it's important that the city shows its appreciation for people who are helping others who are on a rocky road.

"It can be anything at all that is voluntary. It's marvellous."

TV star and comedian Nick Hancock said: "Year after year I am surprised and also not surprised by the people who are nominated for Our Heroes.

"It's an amazing, upbeat experience. The stories we hear about people helping and supporting others who are less fortunate than themselves are incredible."

Potteries-born TV presenter Anthea Turner said: "Congratulations to all the Heroes who have made it such a fantastic night.

"We've heard some truly inspirational stories and it has been very emotional."

Port Vale goalkeeper Joe Anyon said: "You realise that there are people who are so much worse off than you.

"Every single person who has got on the stage is a true hero and everyone deserved to be a winner.

"It has been an inspirational and emotional evening."

Former Olympic hockey player Imran Sherwani said: "It puts what achievements us sportsmen have made into insignificance.

"We do what we enjoy and get rewarded but these people do not do get rewarded for what they do.

"They are incredible people."

Author and TV presenter Wendy Turner-Webster said: "It just makes you feel very humble.

"It makes you realise how lucky you are and it's just brilliant that we have this event to recognise the important work people do which usually goes unnoticed."