Patriotic theme sets awards night alight

THE BEST of Oldham was hailed with Union Jacks aloft and voices singing “Land of Hope and Glory” at a rousing finale to 2012’s Pride Awards at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

The audience was treated to a patriotically-themed evening for Pride In Oldham’s 11th year, recognising the borough’s otherwise unsung heroes.

The popular, heart-warming evening told the selfless tales of inspirational local people.

The show, celebrating 2012’s “great and good” began with a backdrop of clips from Olympic heroes such as Jessica Ennis, Beth Tweddle and Mo Farah.

Oldham’s veteran broadcaster Marjorie Stephinson MBE presented the emotional evening, which saw awards in 11 categories.

She said: “I have really felt pride in Oldham from this event; it really moves me. It’s a fantastic celebration of what is excellent about this town. We have an awful lot to be proud of.”

Several local dignitaries, including new head of Oldham police Chief Superintendent Catherine Hankinson, Oldham East and Saddleworth Debbie Abrahams and Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Olwen Chadderton, handed out the accolades to winners.

The Mayor said: “It’s been a wonderful evening. It has brought people together. It has been one of the most enjoyable nights I’ve ever had. It’s been terrific.”

One of the surprises of the night was Chaddertonian Steve Kilroy, formerly of BAE Systems in Chadderton and chairman of the One Oldham Business Awards — who was shocked at winning the first ever Ambassador Award.

Each finalist collected a special, framed Chronicle front page, and each category winner also received a special glass trophy.