Luton's unsung heroes were honoured at the Herald&Post Pride In Luton Awards on Thursday, April 30. In a glittering ceremony at The Auction House in Crescent Road, the town's charity champions and dazzling achievers were presented with awards by EastEnders star Ricky Groves.

Paul Gibson, the managing director of Premier Newspapers, publisher of the Herald&Post, gave the welcoming address and greeted the winners.

Brave seven-year-old Iqra Zaman, who was born with a rare liver disease and is a regular visitor to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital, scooped the Child Of Courage Award, while mums and toddlers group founder Kathleen Waller won the Caring and Sharing category.

Bramingham Primary School pupil Stewart Bonham was named as Young Achiever, Hilton Garden Inn Hotel won Community Company Of The Year and widowed mum-of-six Laila Begum was recognised for her Outstanding Contribution to the town.

Sarita Jain, the first executive director of Luton All Women's Centre, took home the Adult Achiever title, and Judith Jerodiaconou, who worked tirelessly to organise last year's Luton Relay For Life and raised £80,000, won best fundraiser.

The Service With A Smile Award went to David Doyle of Luton's Oakley Studios and Lealands Friday Night Football Project were named as Community Project Of The Year.

Police officers Sgt Pete Rawkins and PC Richard Turney were awarded the Making Luton Safer gong, for their work in the Social Cohesion Team.

And Mohammed Nadeem, of the Nadeem Plaza, won the People's Choice Award after the Herald&Post was inundated with votes for the businessman.

For full coverage of Pride In Luton, see the May 7 edition of the Herald&Post.