The Pride of Normanton awards aimed to recognise the dedicated work by members of the community who put their all into helping those around them.

Fifteen awards were handed to local residents deemed heroic by their friends, family and neighbours, with a special overall prize also awarded.

Claire Young, the Wakefield-born runner-up of BBC’s The Apprentice, hosted the ceremony.

The Rev Don Gilkes, of event organisers All Saints Parish Church, said: “The turnout for the ceremony was fantastic, with around 350 people in the audience.

“This was beyond our wildest expectations. There was a very positive atmosphere to the whole night.

“Claire was brilliant and even stayed on to chat with people.”

Malcolm Reather, of Granville Street, was presented with the overall award for his dedication to the British Legion.

Mr Reather, 60, said: “I was very surprised to find out I had won the award. I didn’t expect it at all. It was a very humbling experience.”

Mr Reather, a window cleaner, has been involved with the Normanton, Altofts and Whitwood branch of the British Legion for eight years. At the moment he holds six offices, including press officer, standard bearer and social secretary.

He said: “It is fantastic to be recognised for the work I have done, but really it’s not work because I enjoy it so much.

“The team at All Saints Church did a fantastic job putting together such a wonderful ceremony.”

l A night of entertainment helped the Normanton, Altofts and Whitwood branch of the British Legion raise hundreds of pounds for charity.

The legion’s annual poppy appeal gala concert was held at the Hopetown WMC on Nelson Street in Normanton last Thursday.

The concert raised more than £300, which will be shared between the British Legion and the Normanton Talking Newspaper.