Community heroes and champions were recognised at the annual Fusion Awards.

The sold out event again saw people from all communities gather from across the North West.

Among the winners on the night was Sylvia Lancaster of the Sophie Lancaster Foundation. The foundation focuses on creating respect for, and understanding of subcultures. It has also helped to extend local authorities definition of hate crimes.

The Arctic Glass Man of the year award went to retired Tameside nurse Manhar Taylor. Joyce Plummer was honoured as the Shahi Qila Sponsored Woman of the Year.

The biggest cheer on the night went to members of the Ermine Healthy Partnership Group who won the BAE Systems Community Group of the Year.

The Bootstrap Enterprises Entrepreneur of the Year Award went to Syed and Shaza Ul Hassan of Frurt.

The Twin Valley Homes Youth Leadership Award went to students from Hollins Technology College.

Individual awards on the night went to Eamonn Mcnamara of the Preston Sunday League (Mumtaz Ellahi Community Sports Award); Adam Bhaji (UcLan Education Achievement Award) and Aneila Afsar (Premier Flooring & Furniture Achievement in Sport Award).

Ten-year-old Bethany Rose was named Aksa Homes Young Neighbourhood Champion.

There was an emotional tribute to William Bingley who died last summer in a hiking accident. William headed the Abaseen Foundation which was honoured with the Community Group of the Year award at Fusion 2011.

His wife Helen told the audience that William had been delighted to win the award last year and it was the final recognition he got before his tragic accident.

More to follow