Heroes of a magic night

The roof was almost lifted from Brighton's Hilton Metropole Hotel as celebrities and finalists gathered to applaud the winners of the fourth Argus Achievement Awards.

Robin Cousins, singer David Van Day and Albion manager Mark McGhee were among the well-known faces who attended the sparkling awards ceremony on Friday evening.

But the real stars were the people whose bravery and compassion were being rewarded.

The event was all about recognising the devotion of ordinary people who do extraordinary things in their everyday lives.

Once again compered by ITN newsreader Nicholas Owen, the evening also featured a performance by magician and comedian Paul Zenon.

Mr Zenon invited Mr McGhee on stage for a trick and proceeded to burn a hole in his jacket, which was later miraculously mended.

Other guests included actresses Carol Cleveland and Judy Cornwall.

Ms Cleveland presented the award for Courageous Child of the Year to four special youngsters who received a standing ovation for their bravery. It was an emotional moment for all the guests, some of whom were moved to tears by the stories of James Holford, ten, who is a talented sportsman despite suffering from cystic fibrosis, Carla Wilson, ten, Kallum Howell, six and Abigail Howell, four.

In March The Argus asked readers who should be chosen for one of 11 awards sponsored by EDF energy.

All the finalists were guests of honour at the ceremony.

Judy Cornwall presented the first award, Achiever of the Year, to Liz Longhurst.

Liz, 73, from Reading, has been campaigning for a ban on violent internet sex sites since her daughter Jane was murdered in Brighton by a man driven to violence by his obsession with such images.

Her crusade has grown into an internationally-recognised mission with backing from MPs across the country and a petition signed by more than 30,000 people.

Liz said: "I was so surprised to win and felt very humble. I would like to ask people to sign the petition if they haven't already done so."

Pam Darch was presented with the Angel of the Year award by actor John Forgeham.

Nominations had flooded in for Mrs Darch, 65, who runs Fourways private nursing home in Peacehaven.

She treats all her patients and staff with the same exceptional care and kindness and gives people a chance to live again.

Mrs Darch said: "This was a surprise but I am very happy.

"I must thank the skilled and enthusiastic team leaders and supportive staff at Fourways, and my husband and family who are always behind whatever goes into helping the people staying here."

Stuart Strudwick was nominated for Pupil of the Year by his headteacher Stuart McLoughlin for turning round his own behaviour and supporting other pupils.

Stuart, 15, from Brighton, gave up his breaks and lunchtimes to help a younger boy with bad behavioural problems at Falmer High School.

When Stuart arrived in Year 8 he had problems settling into the school but is now a prefect and someone that younger pupils feel they can trust with their problems.

Stuart said: "It came as a surprise to be nominated as many students in my school came across as being much more determined than me.

"I've now realised I'm easily as focused and determined. I want to thank Mr McLoughlin, my learning manager Tanya Banks and my nan and grandad for supporting me."

Actor Michael Jayston presented Stuart's award.

Tracy Powell was recognised as an exceptional mother for the love and devotion she gives her daughter Francesca.

Francesca, four, known as Frankie, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at six months old.

Three months later Tracy, 44, from Newick developed breast cancer. She had to cope with the harsh treatment for her own illness while bringing up a disabled child.

Tracy was presented with the Parent of the Year award by Travers Clarke-Walker, marketing and sales director of EDF Energy, Tracy was nominated by her friend Georgie Dancy, who described her pal as "extraordinary".

Tracy said: "I can't believe I've won. I really must share the award with my husband Matthew because he's a brilliant dad."

Paul Zenon gave out the award for Charity of the Year to juvenile arthritis charity CHOICES, set up by Carrie Britton after her daughter Beth, 15, was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis when she was two.

Carrie was shocked by the lack of information about the cripplingly painful condition, which affects about 16,000 children in the UK.

She took a PhD researching how other families coped and now runs CHOICES from a shed in the garden of her Hove home.

CHOICES has become a key international source of help and information on juvenile arthritis.

Carrie said: "We couldn't do this without our team. We have 18 volunteers and some really dedicated trustees who put their heart and soul into this."

The charity's web site can be found at www.kidswitharthritis.org.

Neighbour of the Year Derek Husted is respected by the community he works so hard to help.

Derek and his partner Hazel are Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators on the Wilmington Way estate in Haywards Heath.

Despite having had 16 operations for bladder cancer in the past three years, Mr Husted, 67, puts an enormous amount of his time into voluntary work on the estate.

His greatest contribution has been helping to set up and run an under-16s football club.

The club is attended by 65 children every Saturday and has just set up a girls' team.

Derek said: "We never could have done this without all our neighbours and the help of Sussex Police who have given us every inch of backing."

Southern FM presenter Danny Pike presented Derek with his award.

The four children who won the Courageous Child award are inspirational in their determination.

Carla Wilson, ten, from Portslade, has spent much of her childhood unable to use her right arm because of a condition called Erb's Palsy, caused by birth trauma The nerves whichsupply movement and feeling to the arm were very badly damaged. It meant she missed out on a lot of things other children take for granted, such as riding a bike.

Carla has regained about 90 per cent movement in her arm thanks to a 1995 nerve graft.

After doing so well, she broke her arm just days before the ceremony but her grandmother found a sparkly gold sling to go with her outfit.

Kallum and Abigail Howell helped save their mum's life when she broke her neck and back falling down the stairs at 6am.

Kerrie-Ann Blackmer, 27, from Lancing, was left unable to move, her head cut open and bleeding.

Kallum, six, was woken by the fall but did not panic when he found his mum helpless at the foot of the stairs He woke his brother Charlie, two, and sister Abigail, four.

Brave Abigail held a towel to Kerrie-Ann's head to staunch the wound while Kallum rang for an ambulance and then let in the paramedics.

Kallum and Abigail are now both training for their first aid certificates with the St John Ambulance.

Kerrie-Ann said: "We've had a lovely evening and I'm so proud of them both. They're amazing."

James Holford is goalkeeper for the Marle Place Wanderers football team.

He trains five nights a week in the football season, never misses a match and was given a trophy at a goalkeeping summer camp for being the best in his group..

Ten-year-old James, from Burgess Hill, loves cross-country running, sails his own boat and has passed his Royal Yachting Association Levels 1 and 2 this year.

He does all this despite having cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening inherited disease which damages lung and digestive function and leaves sufferers vulnerable to chest infection.

He has to have medical treatment before and sometimes after school and takes lots of pills and antibiotics.

James, who wore his football kit to the ceremony, said: "I'm really pleased with the award."

Ice-skater Robin Cousins presented the Teacher of the Year award to Greg Hetherton who has been inspiring pupils at Portslade Community College for more than 30 years.

A history teacher since 1973, pupils and colleagues say he is brilliant at communicating his love for the subject.

Now head of humanities, he still has time to give individual students his undivided attention.

Former pupil Emma Andrews, who nominated him, said it was his enthusiasm and passion for history that encouraged her to study the subject at A-level.

Greg said: "I'm so chuffed. You never win anything in teaching. You just get on with the job!

"I should thank all the staff and pupils at Portslade, and Emma for nominating me."

The Beyond the Call of Duty award is in memory of Jeff Tooley, a police officer knocked down and killed while on duty in Shoreham.

Mr Tooley's mother Veronica presented the award to John MacFarlane, a West Sussex firemen with 40 years' service.

John, 57, could have retired ten years ago with a full pension but loves his job too much.

As head of the West Sussex fire investigations team, he has been a crucial figure in bringing down cases of arson in the county.

He helped set up the ground-breaking team in 1988 and it has become a model for similar projects around the UK. The team has worked on 800 cases over the past two years.

John said: "I'd like to thank the chief fire officer Martin Burrell for nominating me.

"It was quite a moving evening. I wasn't expecting to win so it was a lovely surprise."

The School of the Year award went to Manor Hall Middle School.

Twenty-two members of the community-spirited school came to the ceremony and it caused a bit of a stir when Nicholas Owen invited them all on stage along with headteacher Judy Grevett to accept the award from actress Avril Gaynor.

Child of Courage Carla Wilson attends the school and was also invited up to share the celebration.

The school in Manor Hall Road, Southwick, has also been used as an example of best practice for the supportive way it treats its workforce, from teachers to cleaners.

Pupils also know they play a really important part in running the school.

A 2004 Ofsted report said the school invited the children's participation in decision-making to "an extent seldom seen."

Ms Grevett said: "I think it's wonderful so many staff - teachers, support staff, caretakers - were able to come along because they all contribute to what the school does. It's been lovely."

The Local Hero of the Year award was made in memory of actor Adam Faith, who died in 2003, and was presented by Mark McGhee.

Hero Keith Lane saved a woman from throwing herself from Beachy Head just one week after his wife died falling from the same spot.

He was visiting the cliff at 5am to mourn Maggie, his wife of five years, when he saw a distressed woman writing a note near the Beachy Head pub. When she ran towards the cliff edge he rugby-tackled her and held her until police arrived.

One year on from the rescue in March 2004, the 38-year-old woman is taking medication for her depression and is in touch with her family again.

Keith, 54, from Eastbourne, has also set up the Maggie Lane Charity in memory of his wife.

It helps fund chaplains who patrol Beachy Head counselling suicidal people.

Keith said: "I thought everyone at the ceremony was a winner. There were such wonderful people there.

"It's very humbling to be in such company and it makes you feel very proud."

The final award was the Contribution to Sussex presentation, which was given out by the editor of The Argus, Michael Beard.

The audience gave a standing ovation to Mike Holland, 57, who was recognised for his business achievements and the major donations he has made to charity over the years.

His three sons Stefan, David and Christopher, who has cerebral palsy, joined their father on stage to congratulate him on his award.

Mike arrived in Brighton aged 19 with just £5 in his pocket.

When he left school at 15 he was told he would never make anything of himself.

He is now one of the most respected businessmen in Brighton and Hove and known as an excellent landlord to all the tenants in his large property portfolio.

He has set up a drug rehabilitation centre in St Leonards and charity Whoopsadaisy, which helps disabled five to 12-year-olds.

Mike said: "I don't really feel I deserve this but I'll accept it in advance for the things I have to do next year."

Nicholas Owen said: "I do lots of award ceremonies but this one is always the best.

"This is a very worthwhile evening where ordinary people can gain recognition for the little bit extra they give each and every day."

Travers Clarke-Walker said: "We are delighted to be able to play a part in rewarding the achievements of these outstanding people".

Michael Beard said: "It is wonderful to see people who really deserve it being honoured.

"I am proud The Argus is involved in an event like this."

The Argus would like to thank EDF Energy, the main sponsors; AVT for sound, music and lighting; Hilton Brighton Metropole for the venue; Decoram for decorations; and Image XPS Ltd.