NEWPORT’S community heroes were honoured at a glittering awards ceremony as the winners of Newport’s Night of Honour awards were announced.

The awards, organised by the Kings Church called on the people of Newport to nominate those characters in the city that deserve to be recognised for going above and beyond to help other people in their area.

Following a campaign in the Argus appealing, the church received hundreds of nominations in categories including best neighbour, young person of the year and community organisation of the year.

The winners were celebrated at the Kings Church in Lower Dock Street on Friday night.

Community organisation of the year went to Newport Teen Challenge for their hard work with young people dealing with drug and alcohol problems.

Teen Challenge co-ordinator Caroline Johnson said the win was particularly special because the largely volunteer-run project is currently celebrating its 20th year.

She said: “Our volunteers do a great job, and without them we couldn’t do what we do, so this is for them really.”

Newport business of the year was won by city hauliers CJ Mason, who provide transport and storage space for the Kings Church Jesus Cares food project.

Chris Mason, who received the award alongside his brother Rowland, said: “We are really humbled. Helping Jesus Cares is something that does not majorly impact on our business but tonight showed us it can be a big help.”

Newport’s Young Person of the Year was named as 17-year-old Harriet Smith from Caldicot.

Harriet and her friend Sarah Bray raised more than £3,000 before travelling to Uganda for two and a half weeks, where they worked with some of the world’s poorest children.

She said: “I had always wanted to do something like that, and it was really fantastic. I was shocked to win, but very humbled.”

Newport’s hero of the year went to seven-year-old cancer survivor Luke Brown from the Gaer, Newport.

After being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in February 2009, Luke had to undergo five months of chemotherapy.

He has now recovered, but the Gaer Infants School pupil went on to help his school raise £1,000 for children’s cancer charity Latch with a sponsored fun run.

His mum Sarah Brown, who nominated him, said: “He was never down and was always happy and smiling even when he was ill. He put on a brave face for everyone.”

Newport parent of the year award went to Chris and Noreen Griffin. The Newport couple were nominated not by their own children, but for being foster carers who have looked after 27 children in the last five years.

Mrs Griffin said: “It’s an honour to win an award for doing something we love. We’re delighted.”

Newport’s best neighbour was awarded to Mary West, from Caerleon, who was nominated by her neighbours for helping them in all sorts of ways, including organising day trips for disabled people and cooking at her local luncheon club, despite having mobility difficulties herself.

“It was quite a shock to win really.” she said. “I’m 89 now, and people keep telling me to take it easy, so it was very nice!”

Special awards were also handed out to Newport pantomime regular and TV actor Stan Stennett, and a life time achievement award went to Marcia Doyle, for her work with the Victims of Chernobyl Children’s Fund over the last 20 years.

The audience was entertained in between awards with special guest appearance by comedian Bobby Ball, social commentator Mal Fletcher, Tai Kwon-Do expert Dean Stone and singer Justine Hattams.

Event organiser Hayley Corley, who presented the awards with Heath Van Staden, said: “Tonight was about the people of Newport and what they’re doing to help their communities. Everyone here tonight are absolute stars, both the winners and the nominees. It’s been fantastic.”