Our front page headline today- Our heroes - can hardly do justice to The Argus Achievement Awards which were presented on Friday night.

In 22 years in journalism, this writer has rarely witnessed - let alone been part of - such an uplifting and rewarding event.

It wasn't the venue, the Hilton Metropole Hotel in Brighton, the awards' sponsor, British Gas, or even ITN newsreader Nicholas Owen, who was the dream compere, that made it a special evening. It wasn't even the celebrities and other local high-profile figures, although many thanks must go to them as well.

No, the true stars of the event were the award winners and nominees whose achievements are probably beyond many of the rest of us. Children fighting life-threatening illnesses and disabilities, carers with selfless devotion to others, adults who have shown incredible bravery and courage. Their heroics brought a tear to many people on Friday night but also a sense that this was a very special, uplifting evening to be part of. One star there said it was better than all the celebrity awards she had been too - and she should know.

Congratulations and thanks must go to everyone involved in what were our first ever achievement awards but are now guaranteed to be repeated. Well done especially to the nominees and winners. Our only hope is our front page headline at least begins to do you justice.