Our biggest ever search for amazing heroes

Pride of Britain is setting sail and calling "Heroes ahoy!" as it launches its biggest ever search for extraordinary people around the British Isles with P&O Cruises.

- SIOBHAN MCNALLY

Co-hosts Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo will today welcome some of 2024's winners aboard P&O Cruises ship Britannia in Southampton to launch the hunt for the class of 2025.

Carol, who has hosted every Pride of Britain since it began in 1999, says: "When someone wins a Pride of Britain award, they become part of the family and I can't wait to catch up with some of our fabulous winners from last year." They include Florrie Bark, who won Child of Courage for helping others while undergoing leukaemia treatment and waiting for a lung transplant.

Florrie, eight, from Corby, Northants, had the nation smiling through their tears as she accepted her trophy at London's Grosvenor House hotel, saying: "This is for all the children with cancer who couldn't be here tonight." Jacob Newson, who lost his mum to breast cancer aged seven, was awarded Young Fundraiser of the Year after trekking over mountains for charity.

The youngster, who loves planes and flying, thanked the hospice workers in Leeds who had cared for his late mum, saying: "I just want to make Mummy happy in heaven." Florrie and Jacob are part of a group of 2024 winners handing over the baton in the form of an iconic Pride of Britain trophy - aboard Britannia.

After catching up with Carol and Ashley, they will wave the vessel off for its search around the British Isles.