Stars hail Pride of Britain winners - Irish Independent

Sir Bruce Forsyth insisted everyday heroes were the real stars at the Pride of Britain Awards.

A star-studded gala - with guests including Jon Bon Jovi, David Beckham, the X Factor finalists, Tulisa Contostavlos, Robbie Williams and Spice Girls Mel C and Emma Bunton - paid tribute to some of the country's bravest citizens recognised in at Grosvenor House in London's Park Lane.

Strictly Come Dancing host Bruce said: "This is such a special night. Real people are the stars and this is what is all about."

David Beckham said he was always delighted to take part in the awards, adding: "The winners are always amazing, particularly the little children."

Other stars at the awards included Amanda Holden, Nicole Scherzinger, Lisa Riley, Dawn French and Tess Daly.

Among the winners, all nominated by the public, was Alice Pyne, 16, from Cumbria who received the teenager of courage award.

Alice was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma when she was 12 but has since become a powerful campaigner through her blog.

The teenager finally completed her "bucket list" earlier is year and as a result of one of her wishes has convinced 40,000 people in the UK to sign up to be a bone marrow donor. She has also set up a charity called Alice's Escapes which provides holidays to the Lake District for families with seriously ill children.

Another teenager of courage award went to Jack Carroll, 14, of Yorkshire. Jack, who has cerebral palsy and needs a wheelchair to get around, uses stand-up comedy to laugh in the face of his chronic condition and inspire other disabled children.

Press Association