Pride was the name of the game on Thursday night (April 10), as the best of Luton was celebrated in the first ever Pride In Luton Awards.

More than 400 people packed out the Auction House in Crescent Road, Luton, for the glittering ceremony, hosted by The Bill actress Trudie Goodwin.

The Mayor of Luton Norris Bullock and Luton Borough Council leader and chair of Luton Forum Hazel Simmons both showered the winners, nominees and event with praise.

Eileen Norman won the Caring and Sharing award, with Fatima Islam taking the highly commended prize.

The Child Of Courage award went to Aaron Small, with youngsters Shamiam Arif, Beth McQuillan, Jordan Murray and Stephanie Taylor all recognised with highly commended certificates.

Luton & Dunstable Hospital's maternity team won the Stars Of Service award, with fellow colleague at the hospital Jan Chalkley, a breast cancer nurse, honoured with the highly commended title.

Carole Young was honoured as Charity Support Champion and 15-year-old Claire Warne won the Young Achiever award.

Ann McMaster of Ashcroft and Ramridge Children's Centre collected the award for Community Project of the Year.

The Safer and Stronger award was presented to Luton Council Of Faiths and Dr Anwarul Haque was named as Adult Achiever winner, with Dr Satinder Ganju taking the highly commended award.

Luton Training and Mentoring won the Community Company Award and the Special Award for the evening went to Fatima Islam.

Luton Forum

Find out more about the background to the Pride awards