Michael Klien (18), Sandi Maxwell (18), Luke Hinson (20), Sarah Parnwell (19), Daniel Ryan (19) and Billy Wright (18), all from Werrington, jointly won last night's Young Achiever of the Year at the Evening Telegraph's 11th Pride in Peterborough awards.

The youngsters, who have been hailed the Teen Angels, won the admiration of readers earlier this year when they stopped to help Walter Bush, of Amberley Slope, when his wife Pearl died suddenly at home.

They helped keep him calm, called the emergency services, alerted neighbours and next of kin and even returned a few days later to check Mr Bush was ok.

Honoured to be picking up the award, Daniel Ryan, an RAF Leading Aircraftsman, wore his first uniform to the ceremony.

He said: "It's good to be appreciated for what you do but we would definately do the same thing again without hesitation. We kind of made a connection with Mr Bush and that's why we went back again to make sure he was ok.

"Our parents are all really proud of what we did."

Their award formed part of what was to be an exciting night filled with tales of bravery, hope and inspiration.

The glittering ceremony took place at the Marriott Hotel in Lynch Wood and was hosted by television soap-star turned funnyman Shaun Williamson – who is still known to fans today as Barry from Eastenders after his long run in the hit show.

A champagne reception to welcome all the nominees and their family and friends was followed by a three-course meal. Then came the high spot of the evening, when Shaun took to the stage to present the awards to the worthy winners.

Shaun said: "It's truely humbling to be presenting awards like this when you read what some of these people have done, with acts of great bravery, or going out of their way to help someone.

"These are the people who make the world go round, and I'm delighted to be in Peterborough meeting these great people."

As each category was mentioned, the inspirational and sometimes heartbreaking stories of each of the finalists were read out.

There was hush as the audience heard stories of the adversity faced by some of the city's most inspirational children, and acts of bravery and caring by others were revealed.

As each award was announced there were loud claps of appreciation and admiration.

Evening Telegraph editor Mark Edwards said: "It was a very special night to celebrate some very special people.

"Peterborough has much to celebrate and, more than anything else, it has some outstanding people from all sections of the community, who do so much for the city and for others.

"We are proud to play our part in making sure they get the recognition they deserve and showing there is much to be proud of in our area."

Guests of honour included city MP Stewart Jackson, and leader of Peterborough City Council John Peach and chief inspector Nick Knight, from ThorpeWood police station.