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The winners of this year’s Argus Achievement Awards have been announced.

The awards ceremony, now in its eighth year, celebrates the achievements of worthy Sussex residents.

In an evening full of applause, acts of courage and selflessness from extraordinary people were recognised.

The nominees, put forward by readers of The Argus, attended the packed Theatre Royal Brighton, in New Road.

Following a performance from the Barulo Samba Band, The Argus editor Michael Beard welcomed BBC newsreader Nick Owen.

The first award of the night, Achiever of the Year, went to swimmer Gemma Spofforth.

The 20-year-old was recognised for becoming the 100m backstroke world record holder, despite the death of her mother in 2007.

The Adam Faith Local Hero Award was presented to Paulo Cobelli and Piers Walsh by David Quant from City Cabs.

The pair were praised by police after they pulled a suicidal woman from the icy sea in November.

The Angel of the Year award, sponsored by Heart FM, was awarded to Travis Card-Young.

Paul Huggett was recognised as Parent of the Year, while Green Pupil of the Year, sponsored by Southern Water, was awarded to Tom Baker.

Falmer High School headteacher Stuart McLaughlin was then awarded Teacher of the Year.

During the evening, one of the county’s most respected men was recognised.

Henry Allingham, who died last month, was honoured with the Contribution to Sussex award.

The award was collected by Dennis Goodwin, a friend and carer of the World War One veteran.

Steve Francis, who saved his neighbour’s life, won the Good Neighbour of the Year, sponsored by AVT.

The Robert Eaton Memorial Fund was then presented with the Charity of the Year award, sponsored by Legal & General.

The Beyond the Call Duty award went to Phil Fanthome, while School of the Year, sponsored by Veolia, was awarded to Tideway in Newhaven.

In a fitting conclusion, all seven youngsters nominated for the Carol Barnes Courageous Child of the Year award – Annie Dudeney, Thomas May, Shiria Begum, Sam Smith, Jordan Hamilton, Luke Godfrey and Jasmini Allen – were honoured.