There were tears, cheers and hearts bursting with admiration for the courageous, devoted and unsung heroes of Sussex.

Chris Eubank, Sir Patrick Moore, and prize-winners Norman Cook and Sussex Cricket captain Chris Adams were among the celebrities paying tribute at The Argus Achievement Awards ceremony at Brighton's Hilton Metropole Hotel.

But there was no doubting who were the true stars of the show - the little-known heroes rewarded for their astonishing feats, whether battling illness or helping others.

The awards, in their third year, celebrated the everyday heroics of people from all walks of life in glittering style on Friday night.

Celebrities were humbled by the tales of bravery and strength - especially the children, who had all managed to battle hardship and overcome the odds.

The evening was again compred by ITN newsreader Nicholas Owen, with other guests including actors Chris Ellison and Julie Graham.

One of the most moving moments came when four youngsters took the stage to receive prizes for the Courageous Child Of The Year Award.

There was barely a dry eye in the house as hundreds of guests gave a standing ovation to Kayleigh Steer, ten, who has successfully beaten a rare form of leukaemia, Peirs Isted, 13, Luke Rumsey, 15 and Sam Boyes, 16.

Children's TV presenter Dave Benson Phillips presented the trophies, allowing each child time to savour their moment in the spotlight.

In March The Argus asked readers to tell us who deserved one of 11 awards, sponsored by Seeboard Energy.

We were overwhelmed by the huge number of responses and it was a difficult job to whittle the many deserving nominations down to the final shortlists.

All those shortlisted were guests of honour at the ceremony.

Luke, from Worthing, was nominated by friends and family impressed by his courage and determination.

He has a rare neurological condition which has led to cerebral palsy and epilepsy. He is also registered blind.

Despite his condition the teenager has thrown his energies into raising money for the £5 million appeal to build Chestnut Tree House, the first children's hospice in Sussex.

He needs a special wheelchair to help him keep upright and has had major surgery but always remains positive and smiling.

His mother Julie said: "It was a wonderful night and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We have never seen Luke so happy."

Peirs Isted, from Uckfield, has been fighting cancer since he was seven and also has diabetes and Addison's Disease.

He has been diagnosed with cancer three times and can no longer have chemotherapy because his body cannot cope.

Instead he is taking tablets which have had a limited effect.

But he remains enthusiastic for all his hobbies, including concerts, meeting his friends and in-line skating.

His mother Samantha said: "He is such a strong and positive person and deserves this."

Sam Boyes, from Saltdean, enjoys riding her horse almost daily despite suffering a rare form of epilepsy which means she should be completely paralysed down the left side of her body and unable to communicate.

Her determination and strength have helped her overcome the debilitating symptoms of West Syndrome, which she was diagnosed with at the age of just seven months.

She had thousands of fits and doctors found she had been born with a large hole on the side of her brain.

Her parents were told she would probably never walk or speak and have no imagination but Sam's determination was evident from a very early age.

She can get around quite easily and can talk but will never be able to live independently because of her learning difficulties. However, she does not let it hold her back.

After receiving her award, ecstatic Sam said: "It was great. I am still shaking."

Mum Linda said: "I am so proud of her."

Kayleigh, from Hove, is back at school following months of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia usually found in adults.