Tearful tales of bravery, dedication and courage were told at the prestigious event, which was at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors.

Nine local people were the stars of the night and had been nominated for the awards by their loved ones, colleagues, neighbours or friends.
The evening was compered by the station's radio presenter Mr Ricky Kirby who introduced each individual tale and the astonishing unsung heroes involved.

He added that the award winners were dedicated, deserving and courageous people and extraordinary unsung heroes from Burnley, Pendle and Hyndburn.

They were also seen as people who had gone above and beyond in the call of duty, had battled through difficult times, or made a super-human effort in one way or another, each one showing great character and the kind of spirit that East Lancashire communities are built on.

Each received an engraved glass trophy and a £100 cheque presented by a representative from the local company or organisation which had sponsored their award category.

Each extraordinary individual was greeted with a rapturous applause on collection of their award with the exception rewarded with an emotional but well deserved standing ovation.

Mr Brian Roche scooped the evening's most prestigious award – Citizen of the Year – after being presented with the Volunteer of the Year Award. Brave nine-year-old Joshua Ford was the winner of the Child of Courage accolade while his sister was presented with the Special Recognition Award.

Pendle man Mr Rob Scott is Entrepreneur of the Year, Ryan Cooper won the Bravery Award, Jonathan Taylor scooped the Young Person Award and Ilane Birkby won the Good Neighbour Award.

Employee of the Year was presented to Mr Gareth Davies while fire-fighter Mr Phil Whittaker won the Public Service Person Award.

• For a full round-up of the evening's winners and the emotional awards ceremony read next Friday's Burnley Express.