Simply the best of the best

Millions will be tuning in tonight to watch the most uplifting show in the TV calendar, as the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises unfolds in a two-hour extravaganza. Seldom is an event this packed with A-list celebrities. But it is the ordinary people who have done extraordinary things who take centre stage. Here, co-hosts Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo tell Cecilia Adamou about their five most magical moments...

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ASHLEY'S MOMENTS

WESTLIFE WITH UPS & DOWNS

Ups & Downs theatre group for children and young people with Down's syndrome and their siblings was awarded the This Morning's Local Heroes award.

The group, formed in 1995 by three music teachers who worked at an additional needs school, provides a safe space for people of all ages with Down's Syndrome to be themselves and share the joy of theatre.

After 30 members joined Westlife on stage at the end of the evening, Ashley said: "It was such a joy to see. "They brought such an unmatched energy to the room and put a smile on everyone's faces."

AL MURRAY HELPING MARCUS SKEET IN HIS FUNDRAISING EFFORTS

Marcus Skeet, 17, better known as the Hull Boy by his hundreds of thousands of followers on social media, was given the Special Recognition award for his fundraising and advocating for mental health awareness.

The campaigner this year became the youngest person ever to run the length of the country. And at the awards, Pub Landlord comedian Al Murray went around the audience with a cardboard cutout of Marcus asking for donations. Ashley said: "One of my highlights was seeing the room come together to help him reach his fundraising goal to start Marcus Movers clubs all over the country - led of course by Al Murray."

HAINAULT POLICE OFFICERS

Three police officers who were the first on the scene of a brutal killing spree in Hainault, East London, last year received the Outstanding Bravery Award. Daniel Anjorin, 14, had been murdered by Marcus Arduini-Monzo.

Despite suffering injuries and having no weapons to hand, their decisive actions helped bring the situation under control and ensured the safety of the community.