A host of stars turned out on Monday night for one of UK's most prestigious prize-giving ceremonies. But on this occasion it wasn't the celebrities who were getting the applause, but the ordinary people of Britain.
Paul McCartney, Helena Christensen and Ms Dynamite were amongst the big names who came along to offer their congratulations to winners at the annual Pride Of Britain Awards. The ceremony aims to give recognition to outstanding achievement and bravery by members of the public.
Ms Dynamite was close to tears as she presented the young achiever award to Sarah Bennet, a young artist who has fought her way back from drug addiction and sleeping rough on the streets to become a successful musician.
Sir Paul was likewise emotional as he gave the Linda McCartney award for animal welfare to ex-60s model Celia Hammond, who runs a sanctuary. Paul said the event had a special significance for him, as it was here that he met, and fell in love with, new wife Heather Mills. The former Beatle also sang Happy Birthday to ten-year-old Ben Housson, who was left partially deaf and blind after a holiday accident.
A "Child of Courage" award went to Holly Lishman, who was just five when she was knocked unconscious trying to fight a spade-wielding thug who attacked her dad. There was also Hollie Ashe, who likewise saved her father's life by feeding him chocolate when he slipped into a diabetic coma. Other winners included 93-year-old Sir Nicholas Winton, who save 670 Jewish children from Nazi death camps.
Prince Charles joined the Park Lane ceremony by videolink to offer his congratulations. "I am delighted that, for the third year running, the Prince's Trust is involved with the Pride Of Britain Awards which do so much to highlight stories of incredible courage, inspiration and above all, goodness," he said. "These virtues represent so much of what makes me proud to be British and I do congratulate all the winners." Prime Minister Tony Blair also sent a special message of support to the winners, saying that they were an inspiration for all Britons.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
