The 2006 York Community Pride campaign reached a dramatic and stirring finale last night, at a glittering awards ceremony in the Ebor Suite at York Racecourse.

Tears flowed along with the champagne, as the city's unsung heroes got the recognition they deserve.

The event yesterday evening was the culmination of the third York Community Pride campaign, which we run in conjunction with City of York Council.

From courageous children and tenacious teenagers to fantastic fundraisers and terrific teachers, the people who make York the wonderful place it is were given a well-earned place in the spotlight.

Following the launch of this year's awards back in February, we were inundated with nominations covering the entire spectrum of life in our great city, and last night was a fitting finale to the campaign.

The York Community Pride Person of the Year award was won by voluntary worker Ben Carty, a Church youth worker who gives more than 40 hours a week to helping young people in and around the city.

Ben, 21, of Acomb, and is heavily involved with Hope Church's Global charity, and won recognition for his sterling work.

Child of the Year was won by eight-year-old Sarah Morley, in recognition of her phenomenal fundraising work.

Little Sarah was born 13 weeks early, weighing less than a bag of sugar. But she has grown into an inspirational youngster, who gives her time and energy to raising money for the special care baby unit at York Hospital.

Other award winners included Teacher of the Year Dave Counter; Volunteer of the Year Lilian Dykes; and Sporting Hero Phil Jones.

There may officially have been only 14 winners, but it was a night when there no losers.

As the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said during his after-dinner speech: "Each of our nominees has stood up to the evil of apathy of not caring; of not bothering; of not doing anything - but have rather acted with such determination, compassion and purpose that they find themselves here tonight.

"Each nominee has truly already won.

"You may not have come up here on stage, but what you have done has been written in the book of life."

Joy and pride were prevalent throughout the awards ceremony, but there was also no shortage of humility among the finalists - again and again, our winners praised others.

Neighbour of the Year Stephen Adamthwaite epitomised the mood of modesty.

Collecting his award, he said: "I am very surprised, because I do not really think I have done anything special. It's just looking after people less fortunate than yourself."

The awards were presented by Colin Hazelden, of BBC East Midlands, TV and Harry Gration, of BBC Look North.

There were also speeches by The Press editor Kevin Booth, leader of City of York Council Steve Galloway, and Dr Sentamu, who also said Grace.