You show us that anything's possible

Celebrities give up centre Stage for theweal heroes

-  MATT ROPER

PERHAPS now more than ever, we all needed a night like last night. A night when, for once, the very best of humanity was on show.

A night when we were reassured there are still heroes in our midst, those ordinary yet extraordinary people who put themselves last so those who are less fortunate can come first.

And how we needed to hear those uplifting stories of hope against the odds, of selfless acts of bravery and heroism that only the Pride of Britain awards, with TSB, can provide.

As guests walked up the red carpet at London's Grosvenor House Hotel, all eyes were initially on the instantly recognisable faces - like Shirley Bassey, Michael Sheen and Anthony Joshua.

But once presenters Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo kicked off proceedings they became spectators, as the real Pride of Britain stars deservedly took centre stage.

As always, it was the youngsters who moved the 1,000-strong audience the most, starting with the very first winner, Child of Courage Freya Harris.

The eight-year-old was diagnosed with a rare cancer aged seven, but wanted to show others going through tough times "dreams can come true".

The youngster, from Horncastle, Lincs, told her mum she wanted to enter Crufts with her dog Echo, and began training for the competition during bouts of chemotherapy and then inspired millions by finishing second in her category.