VIDEO: Community heroes honoured at glitzy Pride of the Isle awards bash

NEPB Pride of Isle Awards 2016 , Award for Childrens Category L>R Kasabian Newton-Smith age 8, Zach Kilkenny age 8, Ben Roe age 13. Picture: Lesley Pickersgill.

The inspirational shortlist, selected by a panel of judges, were handed awards at last night's Lex's Legacy Pride of the Isle Awards.

A night of tears and joy was had by attendees at the glamorous Westwoodside Pavilion event that featured food and musical entertainment as part of the ceremony.

The Lex’s Legacy Pride of the Isle Awards were launched in 2014 in memory of the late Alexander Strong of Epworth, who showed astonishing bravery beyond his seven years in the face of a rare form of cancer that ultimately claimed his life.

Each finalist, nominated by one or more people for their award, was selected on merit by the judging panel, who read short submitted accounts of why they were considered worthy.

Isle actress and patron of the charity, Sheridan Smith was unable to make it to the awards due to currently starring in a hit London revival of Funny Girl, but she did send a message of support for those attending the awards on Twitter.

She said: "Missed @prideoftheisle tonight, love u all so much xxx u are the best cause."

Buy this week's Epworth Bells, published on Thursday, January 28 for a full list of winners and pictures.