Spotlight shines on our heroes

The first Argus Achievement Awards were hailed a resounding success as the most deserving people in our community were honoured for outstanding acts of determination, dedication and bravery.

Celebrities attended the ceremony at Brighton's Hilton Metropole Hotel, including football pundit Jimmy Hill, At Home With The Braithwaites star Julie Graham, actor Hugh Lloyd and ex-Dollar singer David Van Day.

But the real stars were the ordinary people from all walks of life, who turned out to receive some much deserved and long overdue recognition.

Newsreader and host for the evening Nicholas Owen described it as "one of the most rewarding evenings" of his career.

Jimmy Hill told the cheering audience it was a "privilege" to be invited to spend the evening with such a group of deserving people. For others, the experience was simply "as good as the Oscars".

In March, The Argus invited readers to nominate people in 11 categories. A panel of judges then shortlisted three finalists in each category.

The finalists - and at least one of the people responsible for nominating them - gathered on Friday to discover who had won.

First up was Achiever of the Year and the choice was a popular one - teenager Katrina Back.

Katrina, 13, from Brighton, was the victim of an attempted abduction when she was nine. Despite the trauma of the ordeal and the resulting crown court trial, Katrina begged the judge to permit her identity to be published, allowing her to speak out to ensure the safety of other children.

A tearful Katrina accepted her award from Martin Perry, chief executive of Brighton and Hove Albion football club.

Afterwards she said: "I didn't think I was going to win. When I heard my name I started crying."

Her mother Cathy said: "She didn't expect it to be what it was - she thought it would be just a few tables and when she arrived I think she was a bit daunted. She said, 'Oh my God, it's like the Oscars'.

"But she deserves this more than anyone after everything she has been through."

The title of Parent of the Year - one of the most hotly contested categories - was awarded to devoted mother of four Jane Dudeney.

Jane, who is single, has adopted four children, three of whom are disabled. The youngest, Annie, was not expected to live past a few months but has celebrated her seventh birthday thanks to Jane's love and care.

Jane, from Peacehaven, was given her award by Arthur Bostrom, best known for his performances in the TV comedy 'Allo 'Allo.

She said: "To have these lovely children and then get this award on top of it - I am just so lucky. If people knew what the children give me, everyone would be running to the adoption offices.

"I can't believe we're here this evening. It's like something you see on television. All the stories are just so moving. It has been wonderful."

Angel of the Year went to district nurse Gary Brigden, who was nominated by a patient with terminal cancer.

After being presented with his award by actress Alexandra Bastedo, he said: "I am really surprised to win - really chuffed. It's difficult because I'm just doing my job but I try to treat people how I would want to be treated myself because you never know, one day it could be me or one of my family.

"It was very, very nice of Sue Harland to put me up for this."

The fourth award, for Courageous Child, left many fighting back tears.

The four finalists were Dean Brady, five, from Shoreham, who raises funds for charity, despite being confined to a wheelchair with cerebral palsy; Nicholas Cole, six, from Newhaven, who is learning to walk after the amputation of his leg; Clare Forbes, who was 17 when she was struck down by meningitis and a brain haemorrhage, losing both legs below the knee; and a 16-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The judges felt all four had shown such tremendous courage that all deserved the award. Jimmy Hill presented each of them with their own trophy, with the 16-year-old receiving hers away from the spotlight.

The Argus hopes to be able to tell her story soon.

Dean's mum Sally said: "Dean thought Clare was going to win but it's fantastic no one has been left disappointed."

Clare, from Crawley, said: "I thought one of the little boys would win. Tonight was great although it was a bit embarrassing going up on stage."

Nicholas's dad Tim said: "We've really enjoyed it. I think it was a brilliantly executed event. Everyone is so deserving."

The Beyond the Call of Duty award was presented by Veronica Tooley in memory of her son PC Jeff Tooley, who was knocked down and killed while carrying out a routine speed check three years ago.

Watched by an audience including the new Sussex Chief Constable Ken Jones, Mrs Tooley presented the award to Christel Osman, a domestic violence caseworker with Sussex Police.

Christel said: "My colleagues, including my Detective Inspector and Sergeant have come along tonight to support me and it's been great. It's always nice to be appreciated."

The School of the Year award was presented to Woodingdean Primary School, Brighton, for its outstanding turnaround since being judged "failing" in 1998. Within two years, under headteacher Jackie Penderghast, it was named one of the most improved schools in the country.

Mrs Penderghast was joined by many of her teachers and staff to receive the award from David Van Day.

She said: "We are overwhelmed by the award.

"I've been humbled by everybody elses' achievement and I'm really proud of my staff and the school but equally I feel privileged to be in a room with such incredibly gifted and brave people."

The Pupil of the Year award went to Harriet Jordan Wrench who got a string of top grades in her GCSE's despite sitting the exams from a hospital bed just weeks after she was almost killed in a road accident.

She was presented with the award by Argus columnist James Poulter.

James Russell, an English teacher and assistant principal at East Brighton College of Media Arts (Comart), was a popular choice as Teacher of the Year.

After receiving his award from actress Julie Graham, he said: "It has been an excellent evening, wonderfully sponsored by British Gas and well presented by The Argus, and I can't thank them enough.

"I think the quality of the nominations here is proof Sussex is a place to be reckoned with.

"When my category was announced I was taken by surprise. It makes you feel very humbled."

Charity of the Year was awarded The Martlets Hospice in Hove for its care of patients for whom curative treatment is not possible.

The award was presented by Derek Carr, sales manager for British Gas.

The title Good Neighbour of the Year went to Jeff Marriott for risking his life to rescue three-year-old Stephanie Jenken when she was trapped in her burning home.

He carried the toddler to safety but she had already suffered severe burns. Stephanie is still recovering.

The incident still deeply affects him and although he wants to meet Stephanie again one day, he still does not feel ready.

He said: "It's not been easy for anybody. Stephanie was standing two feet from a blazing sofa when I found her. I didn't realise she was so badly burned.

"She was a lovely little girl. Living three doors up I often saw her so for now I prefer to stick to those memories.

"Its been a brilliant nightbut I'll probably have six or seven sleepless nights because its brought it back.

"I never expected to win but it's great because there is no rivalry. Everybody is just pulling together. There are so many people here and out there who deserve awards."

Local Hero of the Year was awarded to Geoff Parkinson, a firefighter and member of global disaster response team Rapid UK.

He was given his trophy by Argus columnist John Parry.

The final award of the evening, for Contribution to Sussex, was made to Dick Knight, chairman of Brighton and Hove Albion.

His contribution to the club's success was praised by editor-in-chief of The Argus Simon Bradshaw and credited with providing a major boost to the city and county as a whole.

l A surprise addition to the evening's entertainment came with a performance of Brighton-based girl group Unity.

The five-piece performed two songs - the second written by themselves - before a crowd of almost 400.

The unsigned group requested to perform at the ceremony because it marked achievement.

One of the band members, Laura Hamilton, 15, from Hangleton, Hove, needed a liver transplant as a toddler. Her heart stopped beating twice when she underwent two operations.

Following a long rehabilitation, she is now recovered and with fellow members Amanda Preece, 17, from Albourne, near Hurstpierpoint, Shardai Johnson, 16, from Brighton, Laura Cyganik, 16, from Brighton, and Lizzy Woolmer, 15, from Woodingdean, she has toured local schools to raise money for the Variety Club charity.