It was an afternoon of drama and emotion matching any opening night at the Theatre Royal Brighton yesterday as the tireless and selfless heroes of Sussex were recognised at the Argus Achievement Awards.

In what has become a highlight in Sussex’s social calendar, the Theatre Royal audience acclaimed and applauded the 19 award winners for their incredible achievements in the last year, and in many cases, over the decades with many unsung heroes of the local community finally being recognised.

Now in its tenth year, the award judges admitted they had never had it so tough to whittle down the scores of nominations sent in by the public to shortlists of just three– let alone pick an overall winner for each award.

Brighton and Hove Albion had double reason to cheer with the club picking up two awards.

Outstanding Contribution to Sussex Sport winner Gus Poyet said: "Mine is only the third award handed out tonight but I am so impressed already with the people and the groups nominated, the quality of their work and the things they do."

Outstanding Contribution to Sussex award winner Tony Bloom said: "I am hugely honoured to win this award, especially when you hear the achievements of the three other people nominated."

Chris Pobjoy, landlord of The romans pub in Southwick won the Business in the Community award.

He said: "It is a great tribute to the great British pub."

The winners of this year's awards are:

Teacher of the Year - Mark Brady, Varndean School

Outstanding Pupil of the Year - Zach Narvaez, Dorothy Stringer

Achiever of the Year - Archie Hutchins, City College Brighton and Hove

Volunteer of the Year - Bidge Garton

Outstanding Contribution to Sussex Sport - Gus Poyet

Adam Faith Local Hero - Tracey Howe, St Andrew’s CE Infant School, Eastbourne

Angel of the Year - Amanda Woodhouse, Amanda’s Angels

Outstanding Contribution to Sussex – Tony Bloom

Charity of the Year - Friends Centre

Business in the Community - The Romans

Carer of the Year - David Edwards

Public Service - Carelink Plus

Community Event of the Year - Saltdean Lido Fun Day

Beyond the Call of Duty - Ray Freeman, Bristol Estate Residents Association

Mum of the Year - Sue Wells

Green Project or Person of the Year - Tom Chute, 10:10 Brighton and Hove

Dad of the Year - Peter Bundock

Contribution to Arts & Culture - Same Sky

School of the Year - Moulsecoomb Primary School

Carol Barnes Courageous Child of the Year - David Edwards Stephen Robinson Craig Beckett Millie Davis Charlie Allen Maisie Smith Harry Wood Rhien Browning

To order any pictures from the Argus Achievement Awards ceremony visit or contact 01273 544544 or visit http://theargusandleaderseries.newsprints.co.uk/search/scu/p/u/14586/3/news.