A magnificent night was had by all who attended the sixth annual Argus Achievement Awards to honour the courageous and selfless people of Sussex. Ruth Lumley was at the Brighton Hilton Metropole to speak to those special people who have made a difference.

The guests of honour at Thursday's glittering Argus Achievement Awards night were all winners in the eyes of everyone who attended.

All the finalists were invited to enjoy a drinks reception, a meal and entertainment from Brighton samba band Barulho, before BBC News 24 presenter Nicholas Owen took to the stage to compere the evening.

He said: "In February The Argus, supported by EDF Energy, launched The Argus Achievement Awards for the sixth year. The response was overwhelming but there could only be three shortlisted for each category and eventually the judging panel narrowed the nominations down."

Achiever of the Year was presented by Mr Owen's former ITN colleague Carol Barnes. It was won by Lorraine Snow, 50, whose determination has turned around the lives of so many young people.

She spent seven years building up a youth centre near her home in Whitehawk, Brighton, to provide a club to keep teenagers off the streets.

It became known as The Crew Club and their new club building was officially opened by Prince Philip last month.

She said: "I was not expecting it. It's great for the club and the young people.

They will all be reading the coverage in The Argus and will be really excited about it."

The Angel of the Year award was presented by Frank le Duc, deputy editor of The Argus, and was won by Frances Tarr, a senior staff nurse at the Sussex Rehabilitation Centre in Brighton, who provides specialist wound care for amputees.

She said: "It is marvellous for Sussex Rehabilitation Centre and great for the patients and my team It has all been down to a great team effort."

The third award was Pupil of the Year, presented by John Richards, head of social markets at EDF Energy. Aaron Odedra, 16, won the award for making a positive contribution to the community and to Falmer High School where he is a pupil.

He said: "I am very surprised and very happy. I think it is nice to know you are making a difference at school."

Actress Avril Gaynor presented the Parent of the Year Award to mum in a million Peggy Ferris, 59, who six years ago discovered she had a malignant brain tumour.

The tumour was removed but Peggy, of Old Salts Farm Road, Lancing, found out she had breast cancer in 2005, then her brain tumour returned. Despite going through operations and gruelling treatment she has carried on fostering children without a thought for herself.

Peggy said: "I feel so overwhelmed and I cannot believe it. There are so many people more deserving than me.

"To have all my friends and family round me is just amazing. It has been a lovely, wonderful evening."

Charity of the Year was won by Extratime, an after-school club at Hillside in Portslade, started by Becky Jenner and Marian Tipler, who both have severely disabled children. The award was presented by local author Peter James, whose DS Roy Grace novels are based in Brighton.

Becky said: "We are flabbergasted but very excited to have won. With our charity we have just got on with the work we needed to do, but it is important to us and to many people living in Brighton and Hove. We need to attract new funding all the time so this award is fantastic."

Good Neighbour of the Year went to John Roberts who has worked harder than most to serve his community and has overcome depression and disability. The award was presented by Oliver Heath, of BBC's Changing Rooms. John, 44, said: "I couldn't believe I won It's lovely that people are now recognising what I do."

The judges found it hard to choose a courageous child from all the nominations so all four finalists received an award.

They were Ellie Courant, three, who tragically died on February 16 at Chestnut Tree House Children's Hospice in Poling, near Arundel, after an 18-month battle against a cancerous brain tumour.

She never grumbled throughout her illness and inspired everyone around her.

Ten-year-old Laura Greenfield always dreamed of being able to swim like a mermaid and finally got her wish last year after she underwent an operation which allowed her to breathe properly.

She is believed to be the only person in England born with a condition which paralysed her vocal cords, leaving her unable to breathe without a tube.

Brave Lucy Porritt, nine, was born with Sodium Valporate syndrome, which left her with weak muscle tone and bones. She has undergone many operations.

Charlie Burnett, 11, was born with Apert's Syndrome which affects the head, face and limbs. She spent much of her early childhood in Great Ormond Street Hospital and also had many operations.

The children's awards were presented by Southern FM breakfast show presenter Danny Pike, and the room fell silent as Ellie's parents, Lorraine and Gary, asked to say a few words about their daughter.

Lorraine said: "It is now eight weeks since our precious daughter left usWe miss her beautiful smile, her cheeky sense of fun and most of all her hugs and kisses.

"Ellie was only two years old when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She taught us so much throughout her illness.

"Gary and I are honoured to accept this award not just for Ellie but for all her little friends she made through her treatment."

Trevor Allen, headteacher of Dorothy Stringer School in Brighton, was the winner of Teacher of the Year.

Dorothy Stringer won School of the Year at last year's awards and Trevor's infectious enthusiasm for teaching made him the perfect winner this time round.

He was presented with his award by celebrity chef Momma Cherri. He said: "I am part of the best community of people which you could ever wish to be part of.

"The award reflects the community we have built at Dorothy Stringer."

The ninth award was Beyond the Call of Duty, presented in honour of Jeff Tooley, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Shoreham seven years ago.

His mother Veronica presented Warren Cooper with the award. He was nominated after he gave up his job and put his life on hold to find treatment for his brother Neil, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Sadly, Neil died but Warren's research and fund-raising mean he had ten months extra with his wife Wendy and their baby daughter Caitlin.

School of the Year went to St Andrew's Primary in Hove which received an "outstanding"

in all areas of its last Ofsted inspection. The award was presented by journalist and author Lynne Truss.

The Adam Faith Local Hero Award was given to Brian Wembridge and Geoff Wicker, the firefighters who lost their lives in the Lewes fireworks factory explosion.

Michael Beard, the editor of The Argus, was invited onto the stage to read the nominations and present the award to East Sussex Chief Fire Officer Des Prichard.

Mr Prichard said: "On behalf of the families I would like to thank everyone who recognised the courage of Brian and Geoff.

"They were very good friends of mine and this is a tribute from the public of East Sussex who have recognised their contribution and sacrifice."

The Contribution to Sussex Award was given to Derek Hunnisett, who has been involved with charities in Sussex for more than 40 years.

Mr Hunnisett, 75, received the award from Martyn Willis, managing director of The Argus, for his contribution to the community.

Mr Hunnisett started his career as a barrister and became involved in buying property in London with his father.

In the Sixties he diversified into retailing and when the famous Hanningtons store in Brighton hit financial trouble he stepped in. The store traded successfully until 2001.

Mr Hunnisett has also been a director of the Martlets Hospice in Hove for nine years and a member of the Development Council of the University of Sussex, with particular interest in the Medical School.

He is vice-president of the Rocking Horse Appeal and his charity work continues in his avid support of The Argus Appeal, helping the paper raise money for individuals and charities across Sussex.

A lover of astronomy, a black belt in judo, a racehorse owner and a steward at Brighton Racecourse for more than 20 years, his talents and interests know no bounds.

Mr Hunnisett said: "I feel very surprised as my family and I were kept in the dark about it, but it's very pleasant. I feel very honoured."

To see a video report of the night, click here.