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Today is the day! In just a few short hours celebrities and real-life heroes are going to be celebrating the achievements of some of the most inspirational people in the country.
The glittering awards are tonight, October 7, at Grosvenor House Hotel on London's Park Lane.
And this live blog is the place to watch the red carpet stream LIVE, as well as get regular updates, news and gossip back stage and in the run up to the ceremony.
The Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards, sponsored by Lidl, are in their 15th year - and they are bigger than ever.
Over 100 celebrities are expected to attend tonight's event, but they are just the side-show.
The real stars are the incredible community heroes from around the country who quietly make the world around them a better place.
So what are the Pride of Britain Awards? We celebrate the achievements of unsung heroes - people who work hard to help other people and never expect a word of thanks.
Launched by the Daily Mirror, the very first Pride of Britain Awards was held at the Dorchester Hotel in London's Park Lane in May 1999. It was hosted, as it has been every year since, by the incomparable Carol Vorderman.
The idea took off immediately. The winners included Donna Marie McGillion who had narrowly survived the Omagh bomb a year earlier.
Among the guests were Tony Blair, who had only been Prime Minister for two years, Sir Paul McCartney, Victoria Beckham, and Queen Noor of Jordan.
ITV decided to screen the event from the following year, 2000. It exceeded all expectations, attracting 10 million viewers.
HRH Prince Charles launched the Prince's Trust Young Achiever of The Year category at Pride of Britain 2001 and has kindly supported and been involved with our Awards every year since.
Pride of Britain celebrates the achievements of truly remarkable people who make our world a better place. It's the biggest national event of its kind in the UK.
However, the stars are never there to receive the accolades - but to present them to real-life heroes whose inspiring stories are brought to life with powerful "reconstruction" films.
Pride of Britain has been described as the most uplifting awards ceremony of the year.
The event is shown on ITV tomorrow night at 8pm - but if you can't wait until then you can get all of the red carpet action on this blog LIVE tonight.
We will be there on watching the celebrities and finalists arrive on the glitzy red carpet, bringing you all of the news, updates and gossip as it happens at the biggest event of the year.
The winners of the Pride of Britain Awards come from all walks of life and from all age groups, but they have one thing in common - they inspire others.
Categories range from courageous children and adults to inspiring members of the emergency services, teachers and carers or careworkers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.
Winners of our Lifetime Achievement Award have included truly exceptional Brits such as Peter Benenson, who started Amnesty International, Chad Varah, who founded the Samaritans, Sir Alec Jefferies, who pioneered genetic fingerprinting, and Robert Winton, who saved many Jewish children from the Holocaust.
While our brilliant judges choose most of the winners at the Pride of Britain Awards, there is one exception.
The Prince's Trust Young Achiever of The Year Award is selected by the Trust's own judging panel, which is chaired by the Trust's Chief Executive Martina Milburn and includes a Pride of Britain representative.
HRH Prince Charles is a big fan of the awards, and said: "The Pride of Britain awards remind us of the compassion, decency and courage which still exists in every corner of the land."
Not sure what's going on tonight with the Pride of Britain Awards 2013?
Check out this handy guide, with everything you need to know about tonight's awards ceremony.
Don't forget you can watch the red carpet stream LIVE right here on this blog.
The awards are not for hours, and people are already getting excited about Pride of Britain 2013.
Amanda Holden tweeted: "Looking forward to Pride of Britain tonight. Have two boxes of tissues and Ben Cooke for backup!"
Meanwhile, the amazing finalists from around the country are coming into London on their own special coach with Carole Vorderman.
Look out for our amazing @carolvorders coach taking @PrideofBritain winners and familes to the ceremony! #anhonour pic.twitter.com/8xMT7DF1n3— Tom Stables (@NX_MD) October 7, 2013
Want to know more about the Pride of Britain 2013 judging panel?
Check out this video of our impressive judges talking about the finalists.
Carole Vorderman said: "It's very emotional to read the stories for the first time."
Michael Owen added: "It's very difficult to vote. It's great that the shortlist is so competitive but it makes it hard to judge."
We have some very exciting exclusive pictures of the Pride of Britain 2013 invites.
These purple and cream cards are gracing the homes of hundreds of celebrities and heroes around the country - and they will all be coming to London this evening!
Now - who will we be seeing tonight at the Pride of Britain Awards?
We will first be looking at the Daybreak Emergency Services Award - which celebrates those who work for police, ambulance and fire service.
Every day our emergency services go to work in the face of unknown dangers.
Often they risk life and limb to keep us all safe, going way beyond the call of duty.
Our four finalists for the Daybreak Emergency Services Award have been selected from thousands of nominations.
Daybreak presenter and judge Aled Jones said: "Picking the winner is tough. These people have done amazing things."
The first nomination for the Daybreak Emergency Services Award is the Cotswold Airport Fire Service team.
When a plane crashed and burst into flames during a practice flight at an airshow, firefighters at Cotswold Airport risked their own lives to save the pilot.
Tony de Bruyn was practising a loop-the-loop for the 2012 Royal International Air Tattoo last July but at around 500ft above the ground he was unable to pull his Second World War OV-10B Bronco aircraft out of the stunt.
It spiralled out of control and hit the ground with huge force, bursting into flames then skidding 1,100ft across the airfield near Cirencester, Glos, before stopping in front of the control tower.
As five members of the Cotswold Airport Fire Service raced towards the wreckage the plane was on fire and so badly damaged it seemed unlikely the pilot could have survived.
Remarkably, Tony, 48, was still conscious. He had tried to unstrap himself and had forced himself upright in his seat. But because of the damage to the burning aircraft, he couldn't free himself – his feet were caught beneath the control pedals.
The men who came to his aid were Senior Airfield Fire Officer Paul Coomber, 39, and firefighters Paul Harris, 56, and Nick Howard, 48.
Despite fearing they could be caught in an explosion at any moment, they unbuckled Tony's harness, released his trapped feet and hauled him from the aircraft.
With no time to use a stretcher they carried Tony, who was in immense pain and suffering a serious head injury, to a safe distance, where the team carried out first aid until paramedics arrived.
He recovered well, and this summer returned to the airport from his home in Belgium to thank his rescuers.
Next up: the RNLI Flood Rescue Team in Devon.
A crack team of RNLI volunteers risked their lives in freezing pitch-black conditions to save a mum who had been swept away by treacherous fast-flowing waters.
During heavy downpours two days before Christmas last year the River Taw broke its banks in Devon.
Vanessa Glover, 46, her husband Paul, and son Silas, seven, were driving home late at night when their car was swept off the road and pushed into a hedge.
While the family was trying to escape from the car, terrified Vanessa was pulled from her husband's arms and swept across a large flooded field.
She managed to grab hold of a tree branch but with hundreds of gallons of icy water rushing past every minute she was in imminent danger of being swept away.
Members of the RNLI Flood Rescue Team faced a fraught race against time to find and save her.
It was dark, torrential rain was still falling, and the volunteers could see only by torch-light.
They had to manoeuvre their small inflatable boat against raging currents and around submerged trees and houses in the small village of Umberleigh, near Barnstaple.
Debris above and below the surface could easily have capsized them. If they lost control of the boat they would have been swept downstream and dashed against a stone bridge.
But despite the treacherous conditions that night Porthcawl RNLI members Paul Eastment, 46, and Chris Missen, 26, along with Poole RNLI's Martin Blaker-Rowe, 34, managed to haul terrified Vanessa to safety.
Her husband and young son had been rescued from the roof of their car by firefighters.
She told her rescuers later: "You gave me the gift of life and the joy of knowing that Santa called on my son at Christmas.
"I will hold you in my heart for ever. Thank you for saving my life."
The third finalists for the Daybreak Emergency Services Award are PC Alex Saxton and PC Tim Blackham.
The two policemen put their own lives in extreme danger when they pulled a semi-conscious man to safety, seconds before his car was engulfed in flames after a road crash.
The driver had lost control of his Renault Clio and crashed into a row of trees in the early hours in March.
While the driver and one of the passengers managed to escape, the other male passenger suffered serious injuries and his lower body was trapped beneath the dashboard.
As thick smoke made it difficult to free him through the jammed door, the driver and passenger flagged down PC Alex Saxton, 30, and PC Tim Blackham, 32, who were on a routine patrol.
The car had already caught fire by the time the two West Mercia policemen arrived on the scene in Telford, Shropshire.
They tried to control the blaze with a fire extinguisher, but flames burned through the passenger footwell and began to spread through the vehicle.
Despite fearing the car would explode, PCs Saxton and Blackham kept up their attempts to free the 20-year-old passenger.
They finally found the seat belt in the choking black smoke and cut it with a knife.
They were able to pull him out and moved him to safety before the car became engulfed in flames.
The passenger was treated for head injuries and broken legs and pelvis in hospital and is undergoing physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Retired Shropshire chief fire officer Paul Raymond said: "I have no doubt that if it were not for their quick thinking and bravery, this man would have died."
And the fourth and final group in the running for the Daybreak Emergency Services Award are James, Dave, Tracey and Gary from a Kent paramedics crew.
The 999 crew was forced to restrain a teenage attacker when he became out of control after knifing a friend at a house party last year.
Paramedics Dave and James were first on the scene and began treating Jack Duke, 19, for a stab wound to the neck.
But the pair noticed that Gilbert North, 18, who had slashed their patient, was still loitering.
The knifeman had drunk 10 cans of lager and smoked cannabis and was becoming increasingly agitated, so the paramedics had to warn him to stand back.
After Gary and Tracey arrived to help their colleagues, Dave and Gary approached North to try to calm him down and keep him away from injured Jack.
Dave said: "He was getting more and more aggressive and we were worried that he may do something silly, so we attempted to calm the situation down.
"However, it was clear that the young man wasn't listening and we were forced to take action."
The two paramedics forced North to the ground and tied a belt around his wrists to stop him from lashing out. Gary then returned to their patient while Dave kept watch over subdued North.
Police arrived and arrested North – who was later jailed for four years. Jack was discharged from hospital four days after the attack in Bethersden, Kent.
The team of paramedics was given a commendation in the South East Coast Ambulance Service awards.
As we count down to the Pride of Britain Awards 2013, everyone involved in tonight's ceremony is feeling the buzz.
The Grosvenor House hotel, the swanky location of tonight's awards, sent out this message:
It's @PrideOfBritain Day! All quiet in the forecourt this morning...not for long though! pic.twitter.com/Du4Hi31bPE— Grosvenor House JW (@Grosvenor_House) October 7, 2013
Meanwhile the Pride of Britain Twitter account are starting to get people excited about the celebs who will be attending this evening.
Tonight's the night!! Looking forward to seeing @TheSaturdays and @thewanted Don't forget the awards are broadcast on ITV tomorrow at 8pm— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Oooh - Grosvenor House have just tweeted this picture of the red carpet being constructed outside the hotel.
Do not forget - we will be there and you can watch the red carpet action LIVE right here on this blog.
@PrideofBritain Red Carpet Entrance #underconstruction pic.twitter.com/Vjwr92Erd3— Grosvenor House JW (@Grosvenor_House) October 7, 2013
The next nominee for the Oustanding Bravery award is hero lollipop lady Karin Williams.
When an out-of-control car hurtled towards a group of children at a school crossing, Karin dived into its path to push them to safety.
The mum-of-one suffered serious injuries, but thanks to her astonishing bravery, none of the youngsters was killed.
The 61-year-old driver of the car had lost control after mounting a speed bump and stepping on the accelerator instead of the brake.
Karin, 50, sprang into action as the Audi A3 surged towards the crossing that she was patrolling.
She says: "I don't remember pushing the children away.
"I just remember standing on the pavement with the children around me waiting to cross, and the next thing I knew I was on the ground with a paramedic leaning over me telling me not to move. I wasn't in pain, I was in shock."
Karin had taken the brunt of the impact before becoming trapped under the car which had hit a bollard and overturned in front of terrified parents and children outside the school in Rhoose in the Vale of Glamorgan.
She was rushed to hospital where she was to endure an eight-hour operation on her badly injured kneecaps, legs, elbow and shoulder.
Eight other people involved in the accident – three adults and five children – needed hospital treatment, but they are all now recovering.
Onlookers were in no doubt that children would have died without Karin's courage and quick-thinking.
A paramedic who attended the scene said: "I've seen a lot of road accidents in 28 years' service, and I was amazed there were no fatalities.
"If the car had hit the children and not Karin, it would have killed them."
Karin says it wasn't until she was in hospital that she was told what had happened.
"A police officer came to me and said, 'do you realise what you've done? You pushed the children out of the way'.
"I had no idea, but people watched me act on impulse I guess. It took ages for it all to sink in because I was on a lot of medication.
"I love my school, and the children, I'm just glad no one else was seriously hurt."
There is no doubt that the outcome could have been very different if it wasn't for Karin's actions.
She is now undergoing regular physiotherapy and relies on a wheelchair to get around - doctors say it could be a year before she's completely mobile again.
But she is determined to go back to the job she adores: "I managed to visit the school recently, which was amazing.
"I've missed all the children so much since the accident and it was lovely to see all their faces again."
Like so many other heroes, Karin remains remarkably modest about what she did.
She says: "People tell me I'm a hero, but I was just doing my job in my opinion. I don't feel like a hero at all.
"But I'm glad I was there as it doesn't bear thinking about what might've happened to all those children otherwise."
The final entry for the Outstanding Bravery award is slightly unusual - the award is for all of the families affected by the Hillsborough disaster.
The families of the 96 football supporters killed at Hillsborough already had to cope with the loss of their sons and daughters.
But their grief was compounded in the most painful way imaginable as members of the establishment closed ranks in a bid to smear the victims in a shameful cover-up.
Despite pressure and lies from politicians, the police and sections of the media, the families refused to give up in their quest for the truth.
And last year, after 23 years of struggle, that truth finally came out.
The disaster happened during the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Sheffield Wednesday's football ground in April, 1989.
The police and some politicians blamed the fans, and there was an attempt to hide the real cause of the tragedy – the decision to open gates at the ground, allowing thousands of fans gathered outside to enter, un-stewarded, into the overcrowded central pens.
In the face of an appalling injustice, the families vowed to search for the truth about why their loved ones died.
Margaret Aspinall, who will accept the award on behalf of all the families, lost her 18-year-old son James at Hillsborough.
She has never missed a meeting of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, and was elected as a committee member for 16 years, before becoming vice chair and then chairwoman four years ago.
Margaret said: "At first I wanted to meet the other families, but thought no one could be suffering as much as I was.
But when I met the other relatives in June 1989 everyone looked old, and I realised they were all still crying too."
Over the past two decades the HFSG (along with the HiIlsborough Justice Campaign) has kept the campaign alive, organising a sell-out pop concert at Anfield, advising on the landmark TV docu-drama Hillsborough and lobbying politicians.
Crucially, they organise the annual anniversary service which served as a focal point for thousands of fans, survivors and bereaved every April.
Margaret said: "Everything was new to me. I'd never dealt with the law or the police.
"I was a part-time cleaner and stay-at-home mum.
"I wouldn't have ever thought I was capable of lobbying MPs and celebrities and speaking out on TV.
"But I was determined to get justice for James and I knew that was needed to be done for the 96 who were lost."
Finally, in September 2012, the efforts of the families paid off when the Hillsborough Independent Panel Report stated that the fans were not to blame for the disaster, and that victims could have been saved if the correct procedures had been in place.
Prime Minister David Cameron apologised profoundly for the treatment of the families, new inquests were ordered along with two inquiries into the police handling of the disaster.
Margaret said: "I know I'll never get my son back, but I've finally got the truth.
"We all made sure that nothing like Hillsborough will ever happen again, and that's a good legacy that we're proud to leave behind."
The red carpet is being laid out in readiness for tonight's awards - very exciting!
@PrideOfBritain Carpet going down! #PrideofBritain pic.twitter.com/Vbmiq9KGPU— Nick Sprake (@Nick_Sprake) October 7, 2013
Meanwhile, celebrities are starting to get pumped for some of the most emotional awards of the year.
Kimberly Walsh from Girls Aloud tweeted: "Pride of Britain awards tonight, one of my favourite events of the year. #tissuesattheready."
Star of Dragon's Den and Strictly Come Dancing Deborah Meaden?said: "See you for an emotional night atPride Of Britain."
Andy Brown - singer and guitarist from rock band Lawson - posted: "Looking forward toPride Of Britain awards tonight."
And fellow Lawson drummer Adam Pitts chimed in: "Really looking forward to going to the Pride of Britain awards tonight. Had an amazing time last year!"
We've got this brilliant video of the Pride of Britain Awards 2013 bus visiting the Hollyoaks set.
Check out what the cast of the hit show think of the awards and the nominees.
Pride of Britain Awards are renowned for being a tear-jerker - and it's always the kids who set everyone blubbering.
This year's first Child of Courage is the brave Harley Lane, aged just eight.
Harley's remarkable story begins in May 2009 when, aged just three, he woke up one night with a sore throat and high temperature.
His concerned parents Samantha, 28 and Adam, 25, took him to hospital where doctors sent him home with a suspected ear infection.
But the next day Samantha spotted a rash over Harley's neck.
Within just a few hours he was fighting for his life against bacterial meningitis.
The youngster's heart stopped three times and he was also clinically dead for four minutes before doctors revived him.
His skin turned black as septicaemia set in and stopped his circulation system working.
Samantha recalls: "I was so hysterical nurses had to pull me away. I couldn't believe it was happening to my little boy.
"I thought he was going to die."
"I was at his bedside and he whispered if he could have some fish fingers," says Samantha.
"It was the last thing he said before doctors put him in an induced coma to keep him alive."
It was two weeks later that medics amputated both arms and both legs to save his life.
"Doctors warned me the next step would be amputation but I thought it might be a few fingers, or a hand," says Samantha.
"When I was told it would be all his limbs I just couldn't take it in."
She adds: "The first time I saw Harley after surgery I collapsed. I couldn't cope."
Harley spent seven months in hospital recuperating – including his fourth birthday.
Yet the brave lad never stopped smiling and was home with his family in Stockport by Christmas.
"I couldn't believe how quickly he adapted to his new life," says Samantha.
"If anyone struggled to cope it was me, not him.
"The day I finally gave him the fish fingers he'd asked for, he was so excited like he was the luckiest kid on Earth."
Harley simply refuses to let his missing limbs hold him back in life.
A fund set up in Harley's name allowed him to get prosthetic limbs, and he threw himself into school and everyday life without complaint.
Four years on, Harley decided to give something back to the hospital that saved his life.
The cheeky schoolboy even completed a gruelling 1.5km race on his false legs to thank the hospital that saved him.
In May he completed the 1.5km Bupa Mini Great Manchester Run non-stop – the furthest he'd ever walked on his new limbs – raising more than £1,000.
Samantha says: "Seeing him finish made me so proud."
Harley, who wants to be the first man with no legs to walk on the Moon, says: "I was very nervous but I enjoyed it."
He adds: "It's important to raise money for Manchester Children's Hospital because they help people."
The next winner is the Teenager of Courage - for children who are slightly older.
This year's winner is a girl who made headlines around the world: Malala Yousafzai.
Malala defied the terrorists who shot her in the head in an attempt to silence her, and at the age of 15 became a powerful global voice demanding education for girls.
The schoolgirl was targeted by militant Islamists, furious at a blog she had written.
In it she gave honest accounts of what life was like in the Swat Valley – a region of Pakistan under heavy Taliban influence, where women and girls were treated as second-class citizens and denied access to education.
She had written the BBC blog under a pseudonym, but on October 9, 2012, as she rode with friends in a school bus, a masked gunman jumped on board and demanded Malala identify herself or he would shoot everyone on the bus.
When Malala bravely stood up, he shot her in the head.
Remarkably, the teenager survived the assassination attempt and, after an emergency three-hour operation in Pakistan, she was flown to the UK to be treated by specialist surgeons at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
She was in a coma for eight days after the shooting, and remained in hospital until January, having a titanium plate fitted to repair her skull.
Despite the attempt on her life and the severity of her injuries, determined Malala, now 16, refused to let the extremists win.
And one day in March, as she strode through the gates of Edgbaston High School in Birmingham, she declared: "This is the happiest moment. Today I will learn."
That was just five months after the terrorists shot her. But this inspirational teen did not stop there.
She set up the Malala Fund, which officially launches this autumn, to help provide education to other girls like her in the world's disadvantaged communities.
She also proudly and confidently addressed 500 delegates in an iconic appearance at the United Nations in New York on her 16th birthday in July.
Her speech about education rights received global attention.
She highlighted the shocking fact that 25% of all young women around the world have not completed primary school.
"The terrorists thought that they would change my aims and stop my ambitions," she said.
"Nothing changed in my life, except weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage was born.
"The extremists are afraid of books and pens. They are afraid of women.
"Let us pick up our books and pens. They are our most powerful weapons. Education is the only solution."
Malala, whose story is told in a book published this autumn, has now been awarded the Tipperary International Peace Award and the International Children's Peace Prize.
She is determined never to give up fighting for what she believes in.
Her message is simple: If we work together, in unity, we can build schools and provide safe learning environments for the girls and boys of the world who currently have none.
It seems nothing will stop Malala in her quest to achieve this goal.
The third and final Child of Courage has only just been informed of his win minutes ago.
Television star Vernon Kay picked up heroic Bailie Kershaw from his school in Cumbria in a helicopter to whisk him to the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards in London.
Bailie Kershaw was plunged into a terrifying life-or-death situation when his dad suffered a massive heart attack and collapsed in front of him.
The 12-year-old was alone at home with his father, because his mum Maureen, 48, was working late and his brothers and sisters were out.
So it was up to the schoolboy to perform CPR to save his father's life.
"At first I thought Dad was just being silly," recalls Bailie. "But I knew something was wrong when he turned red and was struggling to breathe."
The youngster rushed downstairs and dialled 999, then calmly gave the necessary information to the emergency operator.
He then unlocked the front door ready for the paramedics before dashing back upstairs to tend to his dad.
He says: "I knew I had to stay calm for Dad. There was no one else home, so it was down to me to do something. I had to help him ."
He stayed on the phone to the operator and continued to give updates on his dad's condition.
He also helped by clearing his airways and making him comfortable.
But after a few minutes Chris stopped breathing.
With the ambulance still on its way, it was down to Bailie to perform CPR in the vital minutes before medics arrived.
He says: "It was quite hard, but I kept going because I didn't want my Dad to die on me."
The paramedics arrived after six minutes, at which point they used a defibrillator to restart Chris's heart.
While this was happening, Bailie calmly began calling family members to tell them what had happened.
A spokesman for North West Ambulance Service said: "After six minutes without CPR, there is a 99.9 per cent chance of death.
"For a 12-year-old boy to have the nerve to perform CPR of such a high standard to his own father is highly commendable.
His actions undoubtedly gave us a chance to shock and consequently revive his father."
Chris spent weeks in hospital and underwent a quadruple bypass.
He says: "It doesn't surprise me that Bailie could have coped so well. He's very level-headed and takes everything in his stride.
"But I am immensely proud of him. He gave me my life. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him and that's a debt that can never, ever be repaid."
Maureen adds: "If Bailie hadn't reacted in such a sensible and responsible way we could have lost Chris and that doesn't bear thinking about.
"For him to realise something was wrong and to deal with it all by himself is just amazing.
"I am so proud of him. He is our little hero."
Host and legend Carol Vorderman has just shared this glimpse of the glamour we can expect from tonight's Pride of Britain Awards.
Room is almost ready for @PrideOfBritain awards recording tonight xx pic.twitter.com/8uVBA7iWEU— Carol Vorderman (@carolvorders) October 7, 2013
One of the judges, model and TV presenter Katie Piper has tweeted: "Looking forward toPride of Britain awards tonight. Will pack the tissues now!"
And it's not just the celebrities who are getting excited - you lot are all buzzing about the Pride of Britain Awards 2013.
Oh no. The pride of Britain awards tomorrow night. Causes even the manliest man to have tears in their eyes.— Stuart napper (@StuNapper) October 7, 2013
Looking forward to #prideofbritain tonight!— Sally Silver (@mrssallysilver) October 7, 2013
Looking forward to the @PrideOfBritain Awards tonight. Always a very good quality grade of celebrity on show. Moving, too, of course!— Jon Peake (@JonPeake) October 7, 2013
Pride of britain awards tonight gonna be an emotional monday— Lea Mayhew (@LeaMayhew) October 7, 2013
Can't wait for The Pride of Britain on tv tonight :) love watching it every year!— Gilly Forbes-Wood (@GillyForbesWood) October 7, 2013
If the pride of Britain awards don't make you well up then you have a stone heart— Kiersten Duke (@kierstenduke) October 7, 2013
The Fundraiser of the Year is Jean Bishop.
Dressed in her eye-catching bee outfit, she's out come rain or shine to collect loose change in a tin for good causes.
It's one of the most thankless forms of fundraising, but thanks to Jean's kind-hearted and fun-loving nature she has managed to collect £92,000 in her tin for Age UK Hull.
Despite suffering severe arthritis, she collects in shopping centres in the city whatever the weather every other Friday, and visits residential care homes regularly as well.
"The charity is so important, the elderly can be forgotten sometimes so I like to help them," she says.
Check out this amazing video of comedian David Walliams surprising Jean with her win.
Jean got involved with Age UK Hull 14 years ago, after the death of her husband.
She decided she wanted to give something back, so the charity lent her a rented bee outfit to help attract some attention as she went fundraising with a tin.
Jean loved the suit so much, she kept rehiring it until eventually her daughter Jennifer Baldwin made one for her to keep from three hula hoops and some fur from a charity shop.
The busy bee has now become the mascot for Age UK Hull and is still going strong.
Jean says: "When the children come up to me, they all want to stroke the bee fur and have a cuddle."
Pam Hall, business manager at Age UK says: "There's no stopping Jean. Sometimes we ask her to take a break, but she just doesn't take no for an answer.
"She's a real people person, and just likes to make everyone happy and do her bit for the charity. We can't thank her enough for everything she does."
Last summer, Jean swapped her bee costume for the tracksuit of an Olympic torch-bearer, when she completed a leg of the relay in Hull.
Jean now has a Facebook page dedicated to her, with over 3,000 fans.
Not content with raising £92,000, Jean now aims to raise £100,000 for the charity.
Jean says: "The aim is £100,000, and then I will start all over again.
"I love dressing up, and if I get tired I just sit down and have a cup of tea. There's no stopping me."
Here in the offices we've got our hands on the Pride of Britain Awards 2013 programme - and it's brilliant.
Every single person at tonight's awards will be given one of these glossy programmes for more information about each winner.
Don't forget that we will have a LIVE stream of all of the red carpet action from tonight's awards.
Judge Aled Jones has just tweeted: "The Pride Of Britain awards tonight. The most inspirational night of the year!"
Meanwhile Piers Morgan said: "Best of luck to everyone at the Daily Mirror Pride Of Britain awards tonight."
Rochelle Humes from The Saturdays added: "Pride of Britain awards tonight... my favourite awards ceremony! I love meeting inspirational people #proudtobebritish"
If you are curious about what the awards actually look like, the good folk at Pride of Britain Awards tweeted a picture of them!
Hi @carolvorders just to let you know the awards have arrived safely at Pride of Britain HQ. Four days to go! pic.twitter.com/TzyZBDFk0W— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 3, 2013
There is also an award for fundraisers a little younger than Jean - the Lidl Young Fundraiser of the Year.
This year's winner is Martha Payne who was surprised by her award by top TV chef Jamie Oliver.
Martha, 10, was taking a cookery class at Jamie's North London restaurant Fifteen when the celebrity chef burst in to break the good news.
Martha was namedLidl Young Fundraiser of the Year after she used her online school meals blog to collect £130,000 to feed needy children in Africa.
Jamie, who has previously praised Martha's website, told her: "You know I'm a big fan.
"I'm not the only one who thinks you're special, a lot of people do.
"I'm really proud of you, you're a top bird."
Describing the moment Jamie surprised her, she said: "When I turned round I got such a shock. I'm really nervous about going to the awards but I'm excited at the same time."
Martha's remarkable story began in April last year when she started a daily blog called NeverSeconds, where she posted often critical reviews of her school dinners.
She started fundraising when one reader posted a comment on her blog which said she was lucky to be given school dinners as some children were forced to go without.
Martha then asked visitors to donate online to the charity Mary's Meals, which provides food for children in poorer countries.
She set herself a target of £7,000 to build a proper kitchen for a school in Malawi, Africa, but as the money rolled in she soon raised enough to complete the project and to feed each pupil for a year.
Martha has since travelled to Lirangwe Primary School in Blantyre, Malawi, as a guest of honour at the kitchen's opening.
Speaking of the visit, she said: "I was nervous when I saw all the children waiting but it was awesome to see the kitchen finished."
Martha added: "I'm so proud that I've been able to do all this but I think it just shows what you can do if you really try."
Of course, it's not just about children - but those who help children become inspirational adults.
Britain's Teacher of the Year has been named as Sharon Grey who is the head of the Netherfield Primary School near Nottingham.
Before she became headteacher in 2009, inspectors had placed the underachieving school in special measures.
Ofsted issued a "notice to improve" when Sharon took the helm, after she pleaded with authorities to give the failing school a chance.
She says: "I promised everyone I could get the school to outstanding.
"Many didn't believe it was possible, but I was determined. I wanted to do it for the children because I thought it's what they deserved.
"I believed it wasn't them failing, it was the system failing them which didn't seem fair."
It was Sharon's awe-inspiring flair for inventing projects to engage her pupils that helped to change the school around.
Sharon has encouraged the community to participate in school life, involving parents in developing a school farm, and by issuing shops with "good behaviour cards" which they could hand to well-behaved pupils.
Sharon invented the scheme, the Integrity Awards, to encourage children to behave when there were no teachers looking.
Now, while the majority of children enter the school significantly below national achievement levels, a majority leave at or above the national average, including some who take GCSE maths exams at the age of just 11.
One parent, Gemma Nason, says: "If it hadn't been for Sharon, my son, who suffers learning difficulties, wouldn't be in a mainstream school.
"She came in and sprinkled this magic dust everywhere and everything changed for the better.
"It's like, when does this dream end? She's amazing."
This year the school achieved an outstanding Ofsted report.
Emmerdale actors Kelvin Fletcher and Charley Webb are getting themselves jazzed up as the cast and crew are attending tonight's celebrations.
Got the @PrideOfBritain awards tonight. Looking forward to meeting some true heroes.— Kelvin Fletcher (@kelvin_fletcher) October 7, 2013
Looking forward to @PrideOfBritain tonight. The people who truly deserve to win awards. Got my tissues ready...X— Charley Webb (@MissCharleyWebb) October 7, 2013
The one award of the evening that is not chosen by the Pride of Britain judges is the Prince's Trust Achiever.
This year's winner, Clifford Harding, has the royal seal of approval, as Prince Charles himself broke the news.
Clifford Harding thought he had been invited to Clarence House to talk with charity officials when Charles himself walked in to tell him he had won the Prince's Trust Achiever category.
He told him: "Due to all your hard work you have won. Can you believe it?"
Clifford, 36, was so stunned that he literally sat dumbstruck and struggled to respond. Charles nodded his head and laughed at his reaction.
Then, when he had recovered his composure, the pair chatted about how Clifford set up his organisation with the help of the Prince's Trust to use rhymes to help children learn their times tables and generally improve their numeracy.
He even performed one of the ryhmes for Charles.
Clifford, 36, said: "It was such a shock. I didn't really understand why I was there, and when Charles walked in I thought I'd done something wrong.
"I performed a rhyme for him, to show him how I help the children. It was a huge honour to meet him.
"I couldn't be more proud - now I want to shout it from the rooftops."
Clifford, who lives in Birmingham, had always found school tough.
Suffering from dyslexia, he struggled to keep up with his classmates and failed most of his exams.
He remembers: "I didn't know what I wanted to do. I grew up in a very strict household, and when I left school with no qualifications or job prospects I rebelled.
"I was a bit like a caged animal breaking free and didn't care that I didn't have a job."
As he approached the end of his teens, Clifford's grandparents and mother sadly died in quick succession.
"That's when things became really bad," he says.
"I wasn't interested in bettering myself and remained out of work for nine years.
"I was causing trouble, getting involved in petty crime, drinking, loitering and smoking."
But one day his benefits failed to come through – and that is when his life changed forever.
Now he volunteers as a youth worker with vulnerable young people.
He's also worked with children with disabilities, helped out at after-school clubs and coached local football teams.
"It is so important to give back," he says.
And the most remarkable way Clifford gives back is by helping children learn maths – having developed a way of teaching them their times tables using songs and raps.
His hugely interactive Tunes Times Tables method has proved popular with schools, and Clifford, 36, now employs two people to help him spread the word.
He was recently invited to the Houses of Parliament to demonstrate his innovative teaching methods to a group of MPs.
To reach children from all walks of life, Clifford now organises regular community events to give children from deprived areas the opportunity to have fun and forget about their problems.
He says: "My work in schools means I have met children from extremely poor backgrounds.
I am so driven to help out where I can. And I want to change the negative view of rapping.
"I didn't believe in education as a child – but now I know it's the way forward."
Another sneak peak at the Pride of Britain Awards 2013 set up!
Looking at all these dinner tables makes you feel hungry doesn't it? #prideofbritain pic.twitter.com/8TRLUKtBZT— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Preparations for PoB in full swing. #prideofbritain pic.twitter.com/gGHBLRSMRB— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
I spot a red carpet. Wonder who'll be walking up it later? #prideofbritain pic.twitter.com/Z6fBixnlue— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
The awards are tonight, October 7, at Grosvenor House Hotel on London's Park Lane.
They will not be shown on ITV until tomorrow at 8pm, but you can watch all of the red carpet action LIVE tonight right here on this blog.
We can't have a Pride of Britain Awards without Carol Vorderman!
When asked about how she felt about the Awards, she said: "Very proud, and I'm still thrilled to be doing it.
"People think of me as the face of Pride Of Britain, but I don't see it that way and that's not me being overly-modest.
"I see myself as a facilitator to these amazing people and it's my role to make sure they're celebrated in the right way."
Here's a picture of her rehearsing for tonight's awards:
@carolvorders in rehearsal for the big night. Sounding good. #excited pic.twitter.com/wH6BUCTgl9— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
She admits that hosting the awards takes work: "It can be stressful, because you have to get the tone of the event absolutely right and we don't get much rehearsal time.
"For a few weeks prior to the big night it takes over my life as I do my preparation.
"But all that hard work is worth it so I can ensure the winners get the most out of their five minutes on stage."
There are more award winners to celebrate!
Next up is Daniel Black, who abandoned his own dreams of walking again by donating thousands of pounds to a disabled boy.
The little boy he read about, six-year-old Brecon Vaughan, was born with cerebral palsy and his mum and dad were told he would never walk without a frame.
Having raised thousands of pounds for his own pioneering treatment, selfless Daniel chose to give all the money to Brecon instead.
Modest Daniel says: "I really don't think it's that amazing.
"I saw Brecon and thought he had a much better chance of walking again than me, so it was a no-brainer."
Daniel, 26, used to play guitar in a band and had a promising future ahead of him. But his life changed when he was knocked off his bike by a car on his way to work in December 2009.
He broke his spine, causing his lower body to be paralysed, and he can only use one arm following a stroke.
"I couldn't believe what happened to me," he says. "I'm not sure I'll ever come to terms with it.
"Every day I'd research treatments on the internet and raised money so I could pay for an operation to help me walk again."
He raised £22,000 through a series of events, including a charity concert, hoping he would be able to be able to walk again.
Daniel, from Chepstow in Wales, explains that he saw Brecon in the local paper: "My mum saw Brecon and showed me the article because he lives really near us.
"Straight away I donated £1,000 of my own money to his JustGiving site.
"But when I stopped to think some more about it, I realised I could give him the money I'd raised for myself as well, because his treatment had a better chance of success.
"For me, things are not getting better soon. I wanted to help someone whose life could get better."
Before Daniel's gift, Brecon's family had managed to raise £11,000 towards the £60,000 needed for an operation and treatment in America.
Brecon's parents Ann and Rob, both 44, were stunned when Daniel got in touch to tell them of his decision.
"They kept saying, 'Are you sure? Are you sure?'" says Daniel.
"Of course I was. I wouldn't joke about the possibility of walking again."
Rob says: "What Dan has done is brilliant.
"How do you even start saying thank you for something like that?"
You've seen the red carpet and the dinner tables but here's the first glimpse of the all-important seating plan for tonight's awards.
Singer Aled Jones is sitting next to.....TV's Lorraine Kelly.
Hey @realaled I found you! You've got a good seat... #prideofbritain pic.twitter.com/bo45QCT7If— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Another award winner for you, readers.
This time it's soldier Matthew Wilson who, when he was shot in the head by a Taliban sniper, simply picked himself up and carried on fighting to save his comrades.
All our forces who have faceddanger in Afghanistandeserve to be called heroes.
But Matthew's actions that day in autumn 2011 wentway beyond the call of duty.
The lance corporal was attached to the Queen's Dragoon Guards during Operation Herrick 15, and was part of a reconnaissance group that was ambushed by a strong insurgent force in Helmand province.
The enemy fighters launched an intense attack, supported by grenades and asniper taking aim at the British troops, resulting in one sustaining a critical injury.
Incredibly, without any cover, Matthew, from Aberystwyth, pushed forward to help his stricken comrade, running across open ground in full view of the enemy.
As he ran, one of the sniper's bullets smashed into his helmet, knocking him out for 30 seconds.
He recalls: "There was a massive crack and my head was whipped sideways, and then I woke up on the floor.
"I just remember waking up with a massive headache.
"It would have been just a minor mistake – a slip of the shoulder - that meant the insurgent hit the top of my helmet and not my face."
As he came to, Matthew saw that a British helicopter trying to rescue casualties was under fire.
So with complete disregard for his safety, he ran 50 metres across open ground to attack the enemy and draw fire from the helicopter.
Matthew's courage allowed his comrades to launch a counter attack and push the enemy back.
"When I got up, the sniper knew I was still alive, so he kept firing at me.
"But we couldn't risk the helicopter going down or the shooter hitting the casualty again," he says.
"We needed to do something and nobody else could get eyes on the shooter's position. So I started pegging it.
"I was zigzagging, doing everything to avoid the bullets that at first were landing by my feet, and then whizzing past my head.
"He was getting closer and closer."
Matthew just made it to the protective cover of a ditch when an Apache attack helicopter arrived to give them all cover as they pulled back to a nearby compound.
The injured comrade he had risked his life for was rescued.
Matthew, who serves with 2nd Battalion The Rifles, climbed on to the compound wall to identify the enemy firing point.
He helped launch a counter attack and neutralise the enemy threat.
Matthew, who was 21 at the time, was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery that day.
His citation said: "Wilson's gallantry, coolness under fire and exemplary determination, having been literally a hair's breadth from death, was nothing short of extraordinary.
"Where many would have crumbled under pressure, shock or fear, Wilson immediately rose to the challenge and took the fight to the enemy.
"This young man is a fine example of conspicuous courage that few display in the face of mortal danger."
But modest Matthew says: "I was just doing the job I was trained for.
The celebs are always out in force at the Pride of Britain awards.
We've already seen that Aled Jones and Lorraine Kelly are sitting next to each other...and they will be joined in the audience at the Grosvenor by comedian John Bishop.
And as you can see from his Twitter feed, the Liverpudlian is looking forward to the evening:
Looking forward to attending @PrideOfBritain awards tonight. Always a humbling occasion and an insight into what makes this nation Great.— John Bishop (@JohnBishop100) October 7, 2013
Here's another table at the Grosvenor - it's a Daybreak cluster.
Laura Tobin and Richard Arnold are next to one another.....
I hope @RichardAArnold and @Lauratobin1 get on in real life, they're next to each other for dinner! #prideofbritain pic.twitter.com/QVqn9Irzxe— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to get the venue ready for tonight's Pride of Britain awards ceremony.
Here's a little look 'backstage' at some of the audio equipment for this evening.
Back to seating plans and here's where ITV's Kate Garraway will be sitting.
Found your seat @kategarraway looking forward to catching up later... pic.twitter.com/7mUbEEbpzr— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
So the seating plan is starting to take shape....but perhaps more importantly, what's on the menu?
Well, here's the answer!
Look at the #yummers menu at #prideofbritain tonight. pic.twitter.com/fnvDcSfoL9— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
A crowd is beginning to form outside the Grosvenor Hotel already, with fans getting excited before all the celebs take to the red carpet.
Remember, that's going to happen from around 5.30pm, so stay with us for all the action!
Former JLS hunk Oritse Williams will also be at the Pride of Britain awards tonight.
As for what he's going to be wearing though, we can only guess....
I think I'm gonna go for the rough look tonight @prideofBritain hmmm— Oritse (@Oritse) October 7, 2013
Watch out, there's a Dragon about!
Specifically, Deboah Meaden, of BBC Dragon's Den fame....
Have a fabulous time at Pride of Britain tonight! @DeborahMeaden Amazing awards with amazing people, enjoy! x— Team Debwin (@TeamMeaden) October 7, 2013
Classical singers, TV presenters, boyband hunks - they're all here tonight.
Not to mention the odd footballer/football gaffer or two...
Come on you Hammers! (other football teams are available).
Do you think these two might have a chat about yesterday's game? @whufc_official pic.twitter.com/4vdI4xHBkv— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Of course, it's not all about the celebs tonight - the real heroes are our winners.
And here's another...
June Kelly set up and runs a thriving junior team in one of the country's most deprived areas, using football topromote numeracy and literacy, and to steer youngsters away from gangs, drugs and crime.
She also successfully lobbied for the only national rule change in half a century, and her young players have been officially named the best-behaved in the country.
June, 43, hasloved footballsince she started playing at the age of six.
Now the school worker voluntarily runs Abraham Moss Warriors – a local club she formed because she was frustrated by the lack of facilities in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, which is in the bottom 2% most deprived areas of the country.
She explains: "I set up the club in 2001 because young people always get such a bad rep, but I wanted to give them a chance.
"I wanted to engage them to keep them off the streets and hopefully encourage them to better themselves as well."
Starting with 12 players, it now has more than 150 registered members with a long waiting list.
And the clubdoesn't just focus on football.
June also runs a popular literacy and numeracy program to help underachieving boys in the team become more interested in reading and learning.
Last year, as part of this project, June managed to get NASA astronauts to visit from the US to meet the players.
She says: "I thought they'd be with us for an hour, but they stayed all afternoon.
"It was fantastic for the team."
June's club also provides workshops on drugs, gang awareness, anti-bullying and healthy lifestyles.
June, who has enlisted the support of the police, says: "It's so easy for people to slip into the wrong crowd, so I think it's important to keep them informed about the choices they've got in life.
"Some don't realise they have any, so I like to try and change that."
Under June's leadership, Abraham Moss Warriors was named the country's best-behaved junior club at The FA's Respect Awards last year.
And in 2004, June made headlines when the Warriors were thrown out of the League for not wanting to play during Ramadan – as the majority of the team were fasting.
June lobbied The FA and won a national rule change – the first in 51 years – so no one had to play on holy days.
"It was a difficult time for the team, but we kept training," says June.
"I teach the kids to stand up for what they believe in, and I didn't think I'd be setting a good example if I backed down."
June has also opened a gym to get parents fit while their children play football and take part in club activities.
She does all this despite suffering Addison's disease and a heart condition, which leaves her very tired and means she needs weekly hospital check-ups.
She says: "I love football, and I love these young people.
"It's amazing what they can do if they're only given a chance."
Rock royalty is in the house!
Queen guitarist Brian May will be in the audience tonight, joined by his wife ex-EastEnders star Anita Dobson...
Good seat for this Queen team. #prideofbritain pic.twitter.com/bqnltVaubp— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Apparently, Brentwood was once voted the most boring town in Britain....but that was before pop star Pixie Lott arrived on the scene!
She's in the Pride of Britain audience tonight...
Hey @pixiesongs looking forward to seeing you at the awards later... pic.twitter.com/Ukl5TmmZq4— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh will be in the house tonight too.
As for details of her frock, watch this space....
Excited to see you later @KimberleyJWalsh - you picked a frock yet? pic.twitter.com/54WADJMvOH— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Here's a pic of former Britain's Got Talent winner Pal Potts warming up as the countdown to the Pride of Britain awards continues apace.
The real thing should be breathtaking...
Kimberley's Girls Aloud bandmate Sarah Harding will be in the audience too - and she's going to be sat alongside Jack Whitehall.
Is this going to be the naughty table?
Think we may have found the naughty table... @jackwhitehall @SarahNHarding pic.twitter.com/s8tlEUKOuQ— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Quite a crowd has now gathered outside the Grosvenor ahead of the Pride of Britain awards. We're expecting the celebs to start arriving very soon, so stay with us.
Among those we know to be coming already are Brian May, Sarah Harding and John Bishop.
It promises to be a tearjerker at the Grosvenor tonight.
Host Carol Vorderman was apparently reduced to tears listening to Paul Potts in rehearsals earlier.
I'm starting to well up already....somebody please hand me some tissues!
Awwww @carolvorders just got a bit emotional at @paulpottsmusic singing. Going to be one of those nights so get the tissues in!— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Who's a lucky boy then?
TV funnyman Jimmy Carr is going to get a good view of Paul Potts' performance later.
And with the former Britain's Got Talent winner having already reduced host Carol Vorderman to tears earlier, will there be a dry eye in the house?
@jimmycarr going to have a good view of @paulpottsmusic later! pic.twitter.com/ES6BnghCD8— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Ok, so Daybreak's Richard Arnold has just arrived to screams from the onlookers alongside the red carpet.
He's going to be sitting next to Daybreak colleague Laura Tobin, of course.
Who will be next to elicit the screams from adoring fans?
And just what will ex-JLS star Oritse Williams be wearing?
The first nominees have arrived at tonight's awards ceremony - and they got a massive cheer from the schooldchildren lining the red carpet.
Some of the celebrities including Daybreak's Richard Arnold have arrived already and more are expected soon.
Check out our live feed above to watch them arrive.
Another celeb is on his way.
This time, it's Paralympian David Weir, AKA the Weirwolf.
What a legend - just like all our winners at the Pride of Britain awards tonight.
On way to Pride of Britain pic.twitter.com/OHIVf3UvKn— David Weir CBE (@davidweir2012) October 7, 2013
Fans of ITV soap Emmerdale take note - for one of the programme's most dapper looking stars has just been spotted on the red carpet.
Patrick Mower, who plays suave septuagenarian Rodney Blackstock, has just arrived at the Grosvenor, joining Daybreak's Richard Arnold.
Who will be next?
Stay tuned to find out.
Violinist Miles Brett will be performing at tonight's awards.
And judging by this tweet, he's rather looking forward to it.
We're looking forward to watching you perform Miles....good luck!
Looking forward to playing at @PrideOfBritain awards with @UrbanSoulOrch @unapalliser @kwesicello #prideofbritain— Miles Brett (@MilesBrett) October 7, 2013
X Factor finalists Union J have arrived.
And they got a massive cheer, as you might expect.
So we've now got Richard Arnold, Union J and Patrick Mower from Emmerdale.
It's Gail from Coronation Street.
Or, if you want to know her real name, Helen Worth.
She's the second soap star to arrive after Patrick Mower from Emmerdale.
Helen Worth meets the crowd. pic.twitter.com/pst6Xq9141— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
TV funnyman Jimmy Carr has arrived.
And he reckons he's going to blub tonight.
He said on the red carpet: "I cry at a John Lewis advert - I tear up at anything."
Looks like he'll be joining host Vorders in needing the tissues then...
It's the boss, Daily and Sunday Mirror editor-in-chief Lloyd Embley, arriving on the red carpet.
He's one of the judges for this year's Pride of Britain awards and writes in the programme notes that tonight's winners "exemplify what makes us proud of our great nation".
Amen to that.
@LWEmbley66 arrives.... pic.twitter.com/MkE3aj12MZ— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
He's here, rock legend Brian May has arrived.
He's going to be sitting next to his wife, ex-EastEnders actor Anita Dobson at the ceremony.
Any badgers who might find themselves at the hotel tonight will be quite safe with him around.
Already here: Jimmy Car, Union J, Patrick Mower, Richard Arnold, Helen Worth
We already know that Dragon's Den Deborah Meaden is going to be here tonight - and here's another fire-breather on the red carpet.
It is, of course, the flame-haired interior designer Kelly Hoppen.
Will any of her other co-stars be here?
Or are they 'out'...
Kelly Hoppen arrives.... pic.twitter.com/esyOmHTGYs— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Here's former boxer Barry McGuigan queueing to get into the Pride of Britain awards.
A legend in the ring in his day, he'll no doubt be proud as punch to be sharing his evening with the legends who'#ll be getting our awards tonight.
Meanwhile, the celebs keep coming.
The red carpet is now looking rather full...
Boxing legend Barry M... pic.twitter.com/sOnBBmNU6w— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Screams from alongside the red carpet as boyband hunks The Wanted arrive.
"Tonight is about the real heroes," they modestly told our team on the red carpet.
They couldn't be more right.
The Pride of Britain Awards is the only place to be in London tonight.
Don't believe me?
Check out this photo of the queue.
The queue... pic.twitter.com/0wTrW95bNM— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
We've got our own fashion director, Amber Graafland, giving you the lowdown on what the celebs are wearing tonight.
Here's what Tess Daly is wearing...
@PrideOfBritain Tess Daily looking AMAZING in black Pucci and seriously sexy gold shoes bought for her by hubby Vernon..— Amber Graafland (@MirrorFashionAG) October 7, 2013
It's getting close to dinner time and the auditorium at the Grosvenor is filling up.
Hungry anyone?
Amanda Holden is here and looking fantastic!
The celebs really are starting to arrive in force now.
Stay tuned for more pics and all the gossip from the red carpet
Here's McFly!
They join Union J, The Wanted, The Saturdays and Brian May among the musicians in the star-studded crowd at the Grosvenor tonight.
What a fantastic evening we have in store..
X Factor's Alexandra Burke is here.
And as she revealed on the red carpet, she's missing a certain talent show in order to be at our Pride of Britain awards.
She said: "Tonight is a humbling experience.
"I've got X Factor on Sky Plus so don't tell me anything!"
She's here, it's our lovely host Carol Vorderman.
She's been right with us from the very start of Pride of Britain back in 1999.
And she was seen blubbing earlier when opera singer Paul Potts was rehearsing.
It should be an emotional evening.
More from our fashion director Amber Graafland.
Her favourite dress of the night so far is that worn by Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins.
We'll try to find you a pic but in the meantime, here's Amber's thoughts...
@PrideOfBritain Katherine Jenkins in my favourite dress from the night...one shoulder Lanvin— Amber Graafland (@MirrorFashionAG) October 7, 2013
Another pic here of X Factor's Alexandra Burke.
She's missing X Factor on TV to be here tonight but doesn't she look lovely.
Everyone sing along with me - Lady in Red....
Lady in Red is @alexandramusic pic.twitter.com/6vBQimHjcv— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
The Loose Women ladies have arrived - and they're mightily impressed with host Carol Vorderman's outfit.
They told our team on the red carpet: "Have you seen Carol Vorderman?
"She looks gorgeous!"
She certainly does.
Here's an injection of A-list stardom to the red carpet.
It's the inimitable Peter Andre but who's that Mysterious Girl on his arm.
Oh, hang on, it's his lovely girlfriend Emily.
There are plenty of GORGEOUS dresses on display this evening.
Take a look at the story below for some of the best...
Want to know what our host, the gorgeous Carol Vorderman is wearing this evening?
Let the Daily Mirror's fashion director Amber Graafland tell you...
@PrideOfBritain Carol Vorderman wears gold Caroline Castigliano couture with crystal peep toe Lemonde heels,Merola Jewellery on red carpet.— Amber Graafland (@MirrorFashionAG) October 7, 2013
Singers, comedians, football stars - they are all here.
And there's even the odd politico about too.
Labour's Ed Balls has arrived with his wife Yvette Cooper and he told our team on the red carpet that the Pride of Britain awards were "inspiring".
We think so too.
The lovely Nicole Scherzinger has arrived on the red carpet - and it's clear she's a big fan of Pride of Britain.
She told Mirror's team: "I came last year to these awards and it was extremely humbling.
"It makes you think "who am I?"'
It really is a star-studded night tonight - we've already seen the likes of Peter Andre, Amanda Holden, The Saturdays and Brian May arrive.
There's a real plethora of breakfast TV presenters here tonight.
The latest to arrive are Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford.
@EamonnHolmes and @RuthieeL looking fab tonight. pic.twitter.com/4qcK2HWEpn— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Back to the pop music theme and here's Brentwood's finest - no, it's not someone from TOWIE, it's pop princess Pixie Lott.
Doesn't she look glam?
She's in good company tonight as we've already seen Nicole Scherzinger, Alexandra Burke and The Saturdays on the red carpet.
@pixiesongs looking lovely... pic.twitter.com/eAPgzX2BYs— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Barry McGuigan was spotted in the queue earlier.
But here's a guy with a lot of promise who could be one of our professional boxing stars of the future.
It's Olympic gold medal winning Anthony Josua - looking knockout in that suit!
@anthonyfjoshua looking like he'd win a fashion fight... pic.twitter.com/pjro0GZJux— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
The lovely Myleene Klass.
Doesn't she look stunning in that dress?
Just one of hundreds of celebrities who are gracing the red carpet for our annual Pride of Britain awards.
Stay with us for more photos and gossip from the hottest event in London tonight....
Nice whistle and flute there Louis Walsh.
It's Gucci apparently.
Very dapper indeed.
But will X Factor boss Simon Cowell make an appearance we wonder?
X Factor judge Louis Walsh in Gucci... pic.twitter.com/qAXqA9IhTp— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Many of tonight's guests have taken their seats already,.
And it would appear that the Daybreak gang are having a great time, judging by this tweet from ITV star Kate Garraway.
We're sure everyone who comes will have a great time - especially our winners.
Having wonderful time at #PrideofBritain - don't the @Daybreak gang scrub up well! pic.twitter.com/IwLyUi4KBD— Kate Garraway (@kategarraway) October 7, 2013
Inside the hotel...and here's David Cameron and Ed Miliband checking each other out from separate tables.
Ed Balls is there somewhere too, and his wife Yvette Cooper....
Ok, so we're underway.
Daily Mirror editor-in-chief Lloyd Embley has opened the awards ceremony by thanking all those involved in making it happen, and saying it is a night to celebrate "awe-inspiring heroes".
He tells the tables of nominees, winners and celebrities that he is honored to have so many famous faces joining them for the awards - now in their 15th year - including Prime Minister David Cameron and Labour leader Ed Miliband.
He adds that as we celebrate 15 years of Pride of Britain, special thanks must go to Pride of Britain founder Peter Willis and long-time host Carol Vorderman.
Our host for the evening, the lovely Carol Vorderman, has now walked on stage.
She's wearing a floor length red gown by Caroline Castigliano.
And she's walked on to the strains of Paradise by Coldplay.
Carol Vorderman opens up by saying the winners of tonight's Pride of Britain awards are "truly heroic".
Andy Murray, Rupert Penry Jones, Simon Cowell, Brian Blessed, Sharon Osborne, Jensen Button, Dermot O'Leary, Jermain Defoe, are all featured in a film talking about how their heroes "are the best of us, the best of all our hearts, and all of our human spirit"
David Walliams, Jamie Oliver and PM David Cameron are among a host of celebrity and stars shown in a montage of clips highlighting the incredible achievements that will be honoured tonight.
Many of them - including the Prime Minister - are in the audience tonight watching the event.
A pic from earlier of Daily Mirror editor-in-chief Lloyd Embley opening this year's Pride of Britain awards
Pride of Britain founder and Daily Mirror Editor kicks off tonight... pic.twitter.com/TRAgQ2dONU— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Back to Carol Vorderman and she tells the audience that tonight we put egos aside.
Corrie and Eastenders are playing nicely, X-Factor and Strictly have swapped numbers, and Duncan Bannatyne even tipped a waiter a pound.
Tonight, Carol says, we honour our nation's unsung heroes.
We're now moving on to hearing about our first hero of the evening.
Our first award is for outstanding bravery - Karin Williams - the lollipop lady who saved scores of schoolchildren from an out-of-control car during the early-morning school run.
She bravely put herself in between the vehicle and pupils, back in June this year.
We're seeing pictures of Karin's horrific injuries she sustained in the accident and hearing how she took the fall force of the impact of the car.
One school mother says what Karin did saved children's lives.
Karin says: "I had to protect my schoolchildren, and that's what I did."
She vowed that she will return to work, saying: "I have to go back to my children."
Comedian James Corden comes on stage present Karin with her award - dressed as a lollipop lady, along with children from her school.
Some of the children injured in the accident are on stage with Karin.
They are the children whose lives she saved.
Carol says Karin has not stood up since the accident.
Karin rises to her feet on stage, to huge applause from the audience.
The children whose lives she saved shout: "Thank Karin!" before running off stage guided by lollipop man James Corden.
Next up is bailie kershaw who was surprised at school this morning by Vernon Kay who told him he'd won a pride of britain award.
We're watching VT of Vernon interrupting school assembly to meet a "very special young gentleman", and picks Bailie out of the crowd.
Vernon tells him he has a special surprise and whisks him out of school where a helicopter is waiting for him.
He tells him they have to look like VIPs and hands him a pair of sunglasses.
(Bailie saved his dad's life by performing CPR when he collapsed after suffering a heart attack)
Here's a picture of our first winner, Karin Williams, with James Corden and the children she helps to cross the road.
A well deserved winner.
Outstanding Bravery winner Karin Williams - lolly pop lady who dived in path of car and saved kids. w/ James Corden pic.twitter.com/0ztIOic9v9— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Moving on to Harley Lane, Child of Courage, who has an "unbreakable spirit".
We're watching a VT showing Harley's mum describing how he was taken ill in the night and was "as sick as you can be".
The youngster was diagnosed with meningitis.
We're seeing heartbreaking images of little Harley in hospital after having all his limbs amputated.
He spent 7 months in hospital.
Harley needs constant physio as he adapts to his new prosthetic limbs.
His mum said he's amazing, if anyone can do it Harley can.
He ran 1.5km in a sponsored run for his local children's hospital and raised over £1000.
His dad says he has dealt with it so well, he has come through so strong and made us so proud.
Harley is walking to the stage dressed in an adorable suit and shirt that his mummy bought him.
Carol welcomes him, Harley says he is puffed out!
Carol asks if there are any celebrities he wants to say hello to.
He looks around, umms and ahhs and says he can't see any!
Carol says the most magical thing about Harley is his teeth - he has four special extra teeth.
She says 1.5k is a long way and tells of his special surprise.
He was sent on a shopping trip where he was surprised by fastest man in the world Usain Bolt and given his Pride of Britain award invite.
Usain says Harley is very fast and asks if he can break his record.
He adds that he is a very brave boy with a very inspiring story.
James Corden spoke to the Mirror's Mark Jefferies after coming off stage.
Dressed as a lollipop man, he paid tribute to Karin Williams.
"This is one of the finest acts of bravery I have ever heard," he said.
"It is amazing and when I found out about the story it really hit home because I know the road Karin was on so that makes it even more powerful.
"You hope when you let your children leave the house that you have someone like Karin looking out for them.
"A couple of the kids would have died if it wasn't for her.
"She is incredible."
Meanwhile, Harley will be presented with his award by Union J, judges Louis and Nicole and Xtra Factor's Matt Johnson.
Nicole says "hey little buddy how are you? Can I give you this award" to which Harley says "ohhhhh yes!"
Nicole also says she wants to give Harley a kiss but he refuses, Nicole adds that she was going to ask him to marry her and he jokes "oh no you don't, mummy get me off stage!"
Carol says Harley must be the only man in Britain to refuse a kiss from Nicole.
Here's a pic of Harley Lane receiving his award from Carol Vorderman, Nicole Scherzinger, Louis Walsh and Union J.
What a brave little boy he is...
Child of Courage Harley Lane, lost arms & legs through meningitis & did charity run. w/ @NicoleScherzy @UnionJworld pic.twitter.com/lYEh0d94L0— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Next up is Lance Corporal Matthew Williamson for a Special Recognition award.
We're watching VT showing a firefight in Helmand Province as they come under attack from rebel fighters.
They were pinned down by sniper and he decided to run and get to where the sniper was to make safe the area for his comrades.
As he was running past the battlefield he heard a loud crack.
He had been shot in the head and was staring death in the face.
Incredibly the bullet only damaged his helmet and knocked him out.
He picked himself up and kept running to a helicopter that had been sent to rescue another casualty.
The guests are on their feet again.
The applause is raising the roof.
Matthew, who won a Military Cross for hgis bravery, is standing with Carol.
He admits he never told his mum at first.
Carol has just produced the helmet that saved his life.
There is a gaping hole in it.
He tells us that the sniper "did a pretty good job".
When he woke up he had no idea what had happened.
I just knew that the helmet felt hot he says.
It wasn't until his colleague tells him he had been shot that he knew.
Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins says he has shown bravery above and beyond what any of us can comprehend as she presents the award along with comic Michael McIntyre, who jokes: "I take my hat off to you" and says he should have run away from the men with guns.
He says what you did was "instinctively heroic"
Prince Charles is now telling us why the awards are so incredible.
He says that the one thing they have in common is the phenomenal ability to make a difference despite having the odds stacked against them.
The VT is showing kids talking about Clifford Harding as "exciting, funny and clever".
He is up for the Prince's Trust Young Achiever Award.
He tells the camera about his life of crime saying he was jobless and had several family members die in quick succession leading him to go off the rails.
He adds: "I did things I wasn't proud of."
He decides to turn his life around and get a grant from the Prince's Trust for children's entertainment business.
He tells us I can make times tables cool.
We see him Clifford with his unique teaching in class rapping the times tables to kids.
"It's all about giving back and knowing you've made a difference," he says.
Prince Charles says all the winners' "compassion, decency and courage have no bounds" and I can only thank them for being an inspiration to us all".
Here's Lance Corporal Matthew receiving his award.
What a brave, brave man....
Special Recognition winner Matthew Wilson who showed incredible bravery in Afghanistan w/ @McInTweet pic.twitter.com/YX6QPFcKBS— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Back to Clifford, and he is now on the stage explaining how he was embarrassed when an eight-year-old asked him what 8x8 was and he didn't know the answer - neither did his son.
He decided something had to be done to and vows to make times tables fun for children AND adults.
He says his life was both difficult and different and said: "If I can do it we all can do it.
"Anything is possible."
Clifford adds we're going to put England back on the map for maths.
Carol tells us how Clifford was sent to St James Palace to teach Prince Charles his times tables.
He is left unusually speechless when he is told he has been chosen as the Prince's Trust Achiever of the Year.
Speaking to the Mirror's Nicola Methven after presenting Harley Lane with his award, Nicola Scherzinger said: "Harley is just so unbelievably brave.
"It's incredible to see what he's been through, but he's survived and come out with a smile on his face.
"He was overwhelmed when I tried to kiss him and tried to get off the stage, but I got to kiss him backstage so I'm happy.
"I'm just so glad I got to give him his award."
Louis Walsh said: "Harley is such an amazing little kid.
"He's just so happy.
"He stole the show for me."
Clifford dedicates his award to his mum and his grandparents, who died within months of each other, and his little brother and sons, as well as all the children he works with.
Ronnie Corbett and Amanda Holden walk onto stage to present Clifford with his award.
Amanda jokes that Clifford will put Carol out of business - he jokes he has her old school videos at home.
Amanda says that Clifford's determination guts and humor, with a little help from the Princes Trust, shows people what they can achieve before proceeds to teach Ronnie his 3x tables.
In all the excitement, Ronnie has forgotten to bring the award on stage! Oops!
The next award goes to "medicine's greatest double act" Trevor and Ray Powles, who are up for a lifetime achievement award.
After contracting TB as teenagers and spending time in hospital, the twins were inspired to become doctors.
Ray pioneered bone marrow transplants in 1973.
His brother Trevor specialised in breast cancer treatment.
Trevor pioneered pre-operative chemotherapy for breast cancer and life saving drugs which have helped double the survival rates.
We're told that after 50 years, the dynamic duo are still not giving up their fight against cancer.
Prime Minister David Cameron has taken to the stage to present the award.
Here's rapping maths tutor Clifford Harding receiving his award.
I wish I'd had a teacher like him at school.
Perhaps then I'd know my times tables properly!
Princes Trust Award Clifford Harding rapping maths teacher He was proper surprised by Prince Charles /@Amanda_Holden pic.twitter.com/t8lHXLR60E— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Mr Cameron says the awards are one of the greatest nights for our country, it celebrates and honours people in Britain whose courage and sense of duty really shines through.
Pride of Britain defines our country because we can show the world who we really are.
These two have given something extraordinary, not just to this country, but right around the world.
They truly are the Pride of Britain.
Interestingly, the twins actually have different birthdays - Trevor is 20 minutes older, and their births were split by midnight.
Speaking after presenting Lance Corporal Matthew Wilson with his Special Recognition award, Welsh opera singer Katherine Jenkins said: "I'm proud to be involved because I got out there (Afghanistan) and see people in the armed services and they're incredible.
"I find it tough being there for just a day and they live there for months."
Back to Trevor and Ray on stage.
Trevor says: "Cancer is a difficult business.
"We're about half the way there but with the global pressure we are putting on solving this problem, I think we are going to knock this off pretty quickly."
Meanwhile, Ray says: "The reason things have really turned on their head is because we know the human genode pattern.
"The drugs are making the body work.
"I think in the next 15-20 years more will happen in the fight against cancer than we've seen in the last 2,000 years.
"That's my dream."
And here are the men of the moment, Ray and Trevor receiving their Lifetime Achievement award from the Prime Minister.
Thoroughly deserved.
Lifetime Achievement Ray and Trevor Powless who have pioneered cancer treatment. W/ @Number10gov pic.twitter.com/WG03xzoS7f— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Now for the Daybreak Emergency Services Awards, with Pride Of Britain judge Aled Jones and Lorraine and Kelly coming on stage to present the awards.
Lorraine says we are all incredibly grateful for the hard work our emergency services do.
The pair describe the winners the RNLI Flood Team and what they did in terrifying circumstances as "truly extraordinary".
We're watching dramatic footage of Vanessa Glover who was driving home from a Christmas party with her husband and 7-year-old son when their car was engulfed by floodwater.
She "took off at the speed of a rocket" and was dragged into the water.
The RNLI team describe hearing her cries, saying "the screaming will stay with me forever," and realised they might not come back from the rescue themselves.
Here's X Factor judges Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh presenting young Harley Lane with his Child of Courage award.
He didn't want a kiss from on stage but she managed to get one backstage.
Back to the stage and the RNLI's dramatic rescue story is continuing.
The audience heard how the raging waters were forcing the rescue boat towards a bridge which would shatter anything that hit it.
The crew were in an inflatable boat that could be punctured at any minute.
To make matters worse, they could no longer hear Vanessa.
But the team made it to her, pulling her from the water "with such determination".
Vanessa was pulled into the boat and to safety.
Vanessa says: "They were so courageous."
The audience have risen to a standing ovation as the team take to the stage.
The crew says the rescue was as tough as it gets.
Rescuer Chris Missen says his mum wasn't happy with him.
She can't sleep when he's on duty and was awake and saw the news coverage of the rescue.
She told him she saw an amazing rescue on the TV, and he admitted it was him.
He jokes she soon turned from congratulating him to scolding him.
Coronation Street stars Michelle Collins and Helen Worth are now presenting the team with their award.
The three rescuers say they did not know each other before the rescue, but they are now "friends for life".
Helen says we know you're brave men from the footage we've seen, but tonight you are heroes.
The men are surprised on stage with the arrival of Vanessa Glover, her husband Paul and son Silas.
Paul says he is "very very grateful" to these three guys, and says they could all have perished.
Silas thanks the team for saving his mum's life.
Here's Clifford Harding with Amanda Holden.
Amanda said: "Clifford has just informed me that he was once on BGTalent and we turned him down!"
But Clifford said: "It inspired me to go own and achieve something."
Amanda added: "So in a way were responsible for him getting the award!"
Next up is the award for Teacher of the Year, Sharon Gray, from Netherfield Primary School near Notthingham.
We are seeing footage of Sharon's school, where she arranged an elaborate stunt of an alien invasion, to get her pupils to act as scientists.
It made them "desperate to come to school" and excited about learning.
The school had been given a notice to improve by Ofsted, but in the four years she has been in charge it has gone from strength to strength, and was recently deemed outstanding in every aspect of its Ofsted report.
She is described as fun, kind, loving and full of surprises by her pupils.
Sharon says she is so proud to be a part of Netherfield Primary School.
She says the school staff, parents, carers, volunteers, and pupils, all inspire a love of learning, adding: "We're going to fly high together."
Comedians Jimmy Carry and last year's Pride of Britain winner Jack Carroll - who brought the house down last year with his jokes - are now on stage to present Sharon with her awards.
Jack says staging an alien invasion in a school sounds fun... and terrifying.
Fundraiser of the Year now - Jean Bishop who raises money wearing a bumblebee costume.
The 91-year-old got the fundraising bug after her husband passed away 28 years ago.
Jean has so far raised £91,478!
She says when she makes it to £100,00 she will start all over again.
Jean is buzzing her away to stage in her bee outfit while Louis Armstrong's We have all the time in the world plays.....
She says she would like to live in her costume. She says she can say what she likes when she wears it.
She says she has to say nice things to people because "you get more money".
She likes to collect on a Friday as everyone is shopping ready for the weekend.
Best time is just after dinner time.
Katherine Jenkins says "she's amazing".
Asked how long she will carry on collecting she says: "There ain't no stopping".
She will get to £100,000, sit and think about it, have a cup of tea and then start again.
We're watching VT now showing David Walliams - also dressed as a bee - surprise Jean.
She says: "Oooooh! You frightened me."
After being presented with the invite she says: "Are you sure? Is this a dream. That's very kind of you.
"Can I take you home?"
Back on stage she tells the audience: "Well if you don't ask, you don't get!"
Tess Daly has arrived on stage with Debra Meaden and the other Strictly stars.
They have buckets full of cash.
Jean wants to stand in the middle of dancers Brendan Cole and Robin Windsor and holds their hands as she she describes them as "very good-looking men".
Jean is now going out into the audience with "her boys" Robin and Brendan to collect the remaining £8,500.
They've gone straight to the Dragon's Den table where Duncan Banatyne swiftly donates a large note.
Here's a twitpic of teacher Sharon Gray receiving her Teacher of the Year award.
Teacher of the Year Sharon Gray head who improved Netherfield Primary. w/ @jimmycarr pic.twitter.com/LKUMWeQtVc— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Jean gets a note from Ed Miliband and a kiss!
Now we're back to our Child of Courage Bailie Kershaw, who was surprised at school this morning by Vernon Kay.
Teachers cover your ears because you might not like what comedian Jimmy Carr has to say.
Speaking after presenting Sharon Gray with the Teacher of the Year award, he said: "This is the most inspirational teacher in Britain.
"So if you're a teacher out there then - unlucky.
"You're second best."
Back in the hall and we're now hearing the 999 call that Bailie made.
He says his dad has started coughing and now can't breathe after having a heart attack.
In the harrowing call you can hear the operator talking Bailie through CPR on his dad.
It's dramatic stuff as we hear him counting over and over again while waiting for the paramedics.
Bailie said:" I knew I had to do it right or he might not live."
Paramedics say if he hadn't done it his dad would have almost certainly died.
Bailie's mum says he was the one that kept his head.
"I don't know what I would have done without him," she says.
His dad says what he did was "phenomenal" and adds: "He was my special boy."
Bailie says he has had a special day.
Vernon says he is such a young gentleman who didn't panic.
He jokes he didn't have much leg room in the helicopter thanks to Vernon.
The Saturdays are presenting Bailie's award.
He's getting hugs and kisses from them all.
They tell him: "We can't believe how you took it all in your stride.
"You're so inspirational."
Mark Austin from ITV News is on stage to introduce the special recognition awards.
Says he was sent to cover the Hillsborough disaster in April 1989 in an assignment he will never forget.
He says the most striking thing was the suffering of the families.
They were let down by the police, politicians, but never gave in.
Hillsborough campaigner Margaret Aspinall is describing the cover up and how the families set up on a mission to find out the truth.
The families refused to surrender, even though they "felt the world was against us".
MP for Wigan Andy Burnham said he had become part of the campaign, and refuses to give in.
Margaret Aspinall says after the Hillsborough report, "our city has been exonerated", and that they will never, ever give up on our loved ones.
Campaigner Margaret takes to the stage with a standing ovation.
She says this fight for justice has lasted nearly 25 years.
"It's been one hell of a journey, not been easy.
"What the establishment forgot is there were 24,000 witnesses there that day, and they needed truth and justice as well as the families."
She says Andy Burnham took their call for justice back to the government and it's great that we've now have that.
Says she hopes that will relieve the pain of the survivors.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce can be seen wiping away tears in the audience.
Coming on stage present Margaret with her awards is Kenny Daglish, John Bishop, Jamie Carragher, and John Barnes.
Margaret says this award is not about individuals, but about all the families and the fans and survivors of that day.
This is the pride of Merseyside - I'd like to thank our city for standing by us all these years.
TV funnyman Jimmy Carr was on top form at the Pride of Britain awards tonight.
Read more here....http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/jimmy-carr-jokes-jeremy-forrest-2348914
Back to the stage and John Bishop says at time of Hillsborough the rest of the country didn't realise what was going on, but the award represents the campaigners' tenacity.
It's testament to them - they've been trying to fight this battle for over two decades.
He says the fact that not one person has been held accountable is unacceptable.
John Barnes said justice is to come, but truth is the most important thing.
He said: "The city of Liverpool was tarnished, but I never believed any of the lies that were told.
"I was there, and there were so many brave people trying to help others.
"For them to be tarnished was a disgrace."
He added: "I hope people will now see Liverpool in a different light."
Jamie says tonight we should remember the late campaigner Anne Williams.
He says this touched everyone in the city of Liverpool, and now the rest of the country can understand what the families have been going through for two decades.
Kenny Dalglish said the families didn't just lose families, they lost the best part of 25 years of their lives.
The Hillsborough campaigners have been an inspiration to everyone and they should be very very proud.
Next up is the young fundraiser of the year, a school pupil with big ambitions.
Martha Payne announced she wanted to be a journalist and her dad suggested she start a blog.
She wrote about her school dinners and the blog went viral.
Martha's blog went global and someone commented saying 'at least you have lunch', which prompted Martha to start fundraising to provide healthy and nutritious food to some of the poorest children in the world.
So far she has raised over £130,000, and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has backed her campaign.
Martha has come onto stage and is telling Carol about her trip to Malawi, where she met a school boy of her own age.
She helped children carry water.
Carol asks if dinner ladies ever look scared when they serve Martha her food in school.
We're seeing VT of Martha's surprise where Jamie Oliver told her she had won a Pride of Britain award.
He tells her she is really proud of her.
Here's a pic of fundraiser Jean Bishop - the winner of Fundraiser of the Year - dressed as a bumble bee.
Fundraiser of Year Jean Bishop who dresses as a BEE to raise cash & was surprised by @davidwalliams (also a bee) pic.twitter.com/ehF6UTAtyK— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry from the GBBO have arrived on stage to present Martha with her award.
Mary tells her she has made such a difference to the lives of the children in Malawi.
Paul jokes that Martha can replace Mary when she leaves the show.
Mary invites Martha to the final of next year's bake off.
Now we move onto the ITV Local Hero award... which will be announced live tonight.
It is Anne Scarfe, a street pastor volunteering at all hours of the night to help young people get home safely.
Every Saturday night whatever the weather, Anne and a team of volunteers go out in plymouth until 4am, looking after those who feel a little worse for wear.
We're seeing VT of 86 year old Anne approaching revellers in the street to make sure they are ok.
She also volunteers in two of the city's soup kitchens, working with homeless people.
She is described as having a heart of gold.
She says she is 86 and smothered with kisses, what more could you want.
The room is on its feet again as Anne walks onto stage to meet Carol.
She mouths "honestly" to Carol and the applause continues.
She says that she is only part of the team, she says she loves the work and the young people.
"The whole thing is to get them home safe, and that's what we do," she says.
To present the award we have Philip Schofield and Christine Bleakley.
Christine jokingly thanks Anne for getting Schofe home "that night", and he apologises!
She says Anne is a remarkable person, and Schofe adds that she shows what a genuine person with a good heart is like.
Schofe adds: "We're so pleased to meet you, you are everything Pride of Britain is about."
Next up is Dan Black who used money raised for his own surgery to help himself walk again after he was paralysed in a cycling accident to go towards a disabled boy who needed to raise thousands to help HIM walk again.
Here's a pic of Hillsborough campaigner Margaret Aspinall with Scouse comedian John Bishop.
What a worthy winner she is....
Special Recognition Hillsborough Campaigners. Margaret Aspinall. w/ @JohnBishop100 @officialbarnesy @kennethdalglish pic.twitter.com/VmnmVmJrrD— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
We are watching heartbreak home video of Dan's rehabilitation as he recoivered from a horrific accident, after he was knocked off his bike by a car then suffered a stroke.
He heard about Brecon Vaughan, who has cerebral palsy and needed a £60,000 operation in American to help him walk again.
Dan got in touch with brecon's family and said he wanted to donate his £22,000 to the little boy's family.
Dan said that while Brecon had only walked for 24 second, he had walked for 24 years and that is why he wanted him to have the money.
Carol says it is such an incredible thing to do. He knew the money wasn't enough but he did it to inspire others to donate.
The camera pans to little Brecon who is in the audience with his family.
Carol reveals that he is going over to America for his operation on Thursday.
Dan says it will be nice to see him walking again.
Dan's dad says although he is sitting down in a wheelchair and can't really see anyone, "he is a giant to me"
Rock legend Brian May has arrived on stage to present Dan's award.
Brian says Dan is the reason he is there tonight.
He says: "I take my hat off to you - what an amazing human being you are."
Dan says he does not feel worthy on an award because what did "wasn't that big a deal".
Brian invites Dan to join the We Will Rock You cast for a day to be a VIP.
Martha Payne receives her Young Fundraiser of the Year award.
Young Fundraiser Martha Payne raised quality of school meals worldwide. Surprised by @jamieoliver w/ @PaulHollywood pic.twitter.com/gCXpgzDDpQ— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Fundraiser Jean is back and she's been a busy bee!
She says they've all been very generous and says she's got a lot of kisses but won't say who "because that would be telling".
David Walliams reveals that the Pride of Britain crowd have pledged over £9,000 tonight which brings the total to well over £100,000!
Jean says she can't thank everyone enough before telling David not to run off with her bucket.
David jokes that he's had a lot of comments about his legs, including one from Ed Miliband.
Anne Scarfe receives her ITV local hero award for her work as a street pastor in Devon...
ITV Local Hero Ann Scarfe a street pastor who supports those in need. w/ @clbleakley @Schofe pic.twitter.com/hLXIC7mFSl— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Next up is Malala Yousafzai who defied terrorists who shot her in the head in an attempt to silence her.
At the tender age of 15 she became a powerful global voice demanding education for girls after being targeted by militant islamists furious at a blog she had written.
We are seeing a reconstruction of the horrific events that led to Malala being shot in the head because she gave honest accounts of what life was like in the Swat Valley, a region of Pakistan under heavy Taliban influence where women and girls were treated as second class citizens and denied access to education.
Malala was transfered to the UK for treatment.
Just six months after she was shot, she started school in Birmingham.
She has also set up a charity to raise money for the education of girls.
Despite the attempt on her life, Malala refuses to give in. On her 16th birthday this year, she addressed the United Nations.
She says: "They {the taliban} thought the bullet would silence us but they failed."
Dan Black collects his Special Recognition award from Queen legend Brian May....
Special Recognition Dan Black who donated money raised to help him walk to a disabled boy. w/ @DrBrianMay pic.twitter.com/fHpzMcyrqa— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 7, 2013
Back to the Grosvenor stage and Julie Etchingham, presenting the VT, says Malala "has shown and continues to show astonishing courage."
We are now seeing a VT of David Beckham presenting the award to Malala.
He says her story has not only inspired him but millions around the world.
Malala says thank you for her POB award saying the prestigious honour will allow her to continue her fight for girls' education.
Now we're nearly at the end of our night but there is time for one more award - for the FA Football champion June Kelly.
Michael Owen is on stage to introduce the award.
June set up a thriving junior football team in a deprived area and uses football to promote numeracy and literacy and steer youngsters away from gangs, drugs and crime.
June took on the FA when her team where docked points and fined when they refused to play during the muslim festival of Ramadan.
She succeed in getting the first amateur rule change in decades.
Her colleague says the one word that comes to mind when describing June is "dedication".
Queen guitarist Brian May spoke to the Mirror's Ashleigh Rainbird after presenting Dan Black with his Special Recognition award - and inviting him to spend a day backstage with the "Queen family" at We Will Rock You at the Dominion theatre.
Brian, 66, said: "He's an incredible bloke.
"I mean, what a lovely man.
" I was choked up on stage.
"I would like to stay with him to see what we can give him back because he's sacrificed so much.
"It's the least we could do.
"I'm very proud to be a part of all this tonight.
"It stops you in your tracks and makes you look at your life again."
Back to the stage and we're seeing a VT of June at Buckingham Palace with Michael Owen and Prince William.
June presents Wills with a football shirt and a baby version for Prince George.
Wills says it will just about fit his newborn son who has got "very big" recently.
William tells June that the one thing he thought when he joined the FA was a positive message was needed to turn gangs into teams.
June says kids join gangs for a sense of belonging and she tries to give this to them through football instead.
Young Fundraiser of the Year winner Martha Payne with cooks Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood
Back on stage and June explains the importance of her work and the difference it makes to the children.
Young Fundraiser of the Year Martha Payne, 10, came face to face with her cooking heroes when she received her award on stage.Martha, a baking fanatic, said Great British Bake Off hosts Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood are her TV favourites.
Describing her moment in the spotlight, Martha said: "It was terrifying and absolutely awesome.
"When I started fundraising after the blog was stopped I only expected my family to donate.
"I never even expected my friends to know about it. I was very surprised. I never thought it would go like this."
Martha was heaped with praise for using her blog following to provide food for the world's poorest children.
The audience was told how the £130,000 she raised has provided meals for more than 17,000 children in Malawi.
The primary school pupil was given a few days off school to travel down from her home in Argyll, Scotland, to London to receive the honour.Martha said she will return to netball and scouts when she gets back to school.
She added: "My friends were really amazed. I really hoped it would be one of the people from the Great British Bake Off who would give me the award. I watch it all the time."
Martha gave her meal at London's prestigious Grosvenor Hotel nine out of ten, better than many of the school meals she rated on her blog.
To present the award, are Martin Peters and Sir Geoff Hurst, carrying the Jules Remet trophy.
To round off a truly fantastic evening, Paul Potts sings Nessun Dorma.
And that's a wrap!
Carol presents all our winners to the audience and thanks everyone for attending and making the event what is it.
And here's Paul Potts singing us out after an emotional night.
Host Carol Vorderman was apparently reduced to tears listening to him in rehearsals.
There's no doubt many tissues are needed after the audience has heard tonight's tales of courage.
After singing on stage Paul Potts said: "It was an honour to be asked to perform, Pride Of Britain is one of the biggest events in the calendar and long may it continue.
"The stars of the show are not me and the other celebs tonight, it is all about the winners who have done such incredible things."
They teamed up earlier to present Lance Corporal Matthew Wilson with a Special Recognition award...
Now opera singer Katherine Jenkins and funnyman Michael Macintyre have got their heads together for this backstage selfie.
Katherine said: "I'm proud to be involved because I got out there (Afghanistan) and see people in the armed services and they're incredible."
With my @prideofbritain co presenter & funny man @MichaelMacintyre #TheManDrawer pic.twitter.com/0qyVLkcril— Kath Jenkins (@KathJenkins) October 7, 2013
Here's another backstage pic - this time tweeted by actress and presenter Sherrie Hewson.
Seems she's bumped into some friends from her Coronation Street days as well as colleagues from the Loose Women panel.
And of course Andrea Mclean on the right is a columnist in the Saturday Mirror nowadays so it's a total crossover.
At Pride of Britain awards pic.twitter.com/5YV8jih8wd— sherrie hewson (@SherrieHewson) October 7, 2013
Quick recap of tonight's award winners as the celebrations are set to continue into the night.
A lollipop lady who dived in front of an out-of-control car to push a group of children to safety has been honoured.
However, mother-of-one Karin Williams, from Rhoose in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, insisted: "I'm not brave."
Also honoured were rescue workers Paul Eastment, Chris Missen, and Martin Blaker-Rowe, who saved a woman swept from a car in surging flood water in Umberleigh, Devon.
Other unsung heroes who received awards included the families of the 96 Liverpool fans who died in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, in recognition of their long fight for justice.
The award was collected by Margaret Aspinall, chairman of the Hillsborough Families Support Group.
Eight-year-old Harley Lane, from Stockport, Cheshire, whose legs and arms were amputated to save his life after he suffered meningitis as a toddler, was also honoured.
The schoolboy raised more than £1,000 earlier this year in a sponsored run using new prosthetic limbs.
Clifford Harding, 36, from Birmingham, who volunteers as a youth worker with vulnerable children, won the Prince's Trust young achiever award.
The event was backed by more than 100 stars and public figures including David Beckham, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge, and Usain Bolt, the six times Olympic sprint champion and fastest man in the world.
Beckham was shown presenting the teenager of courage award to Malala Yousafzai, the 16-year-old Pakistani teenager who was shot in the head by the Taliban after campaigning for girls' education.
He told her: "You're an amazing young lady, a very special young lady, and your story has moved millions of people around the world. I'm so privileged and honoured to present this award to you."
And of course, the Pride of Britain awards will be screened on ITV at 8pm tomorrow.
That's all for now - join us tomorrow for all the after-show party news and gossip, though.
You can recap on all the events from tonight in our special Pride of Britain section here.
And don't forget you can watch all the drama on ITV1 at 8pm tonight.
But we'll leave the final word to one of the tearful celebs - Myleene Klass.
Have no mascara left to cry off. #Prideofbritainawards— Myleene Klass (@KlassMyleene) October 7, 2013