Hull in print : Feature

The celebrities brought glitz and glamour.
But the spotlight was on children and young people who have achieved amazing things, whether it was showing courage, helping others, or overcoming barriers to succeed in sport, arts, or at school.
There were also awards for adults who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their work with children and young people.
"These are the people who should be revered," said ex-Coronation Street and Bad Girls star Debra Stephenson (pictured left), who presented the Play Ambassador Award.
"For me as a TV personality it's very humbling to be here because I realise what I do isn't as important as what these people do."
More than 350 guests attended the ceremony, at the KC Stadium, which was presented by former Blue Peter presenter Tim Vincent (pictured right).
Other celebrities included BBC Apprentice winner Michelle Dewberry, Hull City player Nick Barmby, playwright John Godber, pop icon Roland Gift, actress Eleanor Tomlinson, Todd Byrne of Hull FC, and Lee Otway ('Bombhead' in Hollyoaks).

Hull City's Phil Brown with nominees from Frederick Holmes School

Presenting awards: Roland Gift and Michelle Dewberry

But the star of the show was nine-year-old James Peaks (aka "JJ") who scooped Hull's Person of Courage award and Achiever of the Year award.
Despite having epilepsy, cerebral palsy and chronic lung disease his hard-working and positive approach to life has made him much-liked by staff at Tweendykes Special School.
Foster Carer of the Year award went to Yvonne and John Nicholson, who, during the last 15 years, have provided homes to more than 150 children and young people, sometimes on an emergency basis.
Another winner was Northcott Special School pupil Harley Allison (15), who is totally blind, yet has received national recognition for her photography.
Harley touches and explores an object with her left hand while taking the picture of it with her right hand.
"That, to me, highlights just what we are capable of achieving," said Hull City manager Phil Brown.
"It's fantastic to hear about some of these achievements.
In football we're just doing a job but many of these people have gone beyond the call of duty.
"It's been a fantastic night – the feel-good factor in Hull is definitely here."
The event, run by Hull City Council in association with Viking FM, attracted hundreds of nominations.
Other sponsors included Npower, Esteem Ltd, Reckitt Benckiser, NHS Hull, Humberside Police, Cobus International, Hull FC, William Jackson Food Group, Hull Colour Pages, Anglia Oils (AAK), Seven Seas and Aunt Bessies.
Cllr Christine Randall, who is responsible for children and young people's services, said: "The evening went fantastically well and it was great to see all the nominees enjoy themselves.
"I would like to thank all the sponsors and celebrities for supporting our vision of making Hull a family friendly city where no child is left behind."

Roll of honour

And the winners are:

Sportsperson of the Year:
Chris Wilson (17), who has represented Yorkshire at wheelchair basketball
Healthy Lifestyle:
Hull Kung Fu Club, which has engaged and inspired young people, helping them to become healthy, confident and feel safe
Outstanding Contribution to the Arts:
Harley Allison (15).
See main text
Outstanding Contribution:
Debbie Peacock, an adult who has organised events and excursions for children and young people in the Greatfield area
Foster Carer of the Year:
Yvonne and John Nicholson.
See main text
Positive Contribution:
Chiquita Hutchinson (15), whose honesty and confidence in talking about her experiences in the care system has helped inform policy makers
Play Ambassador:
Margaret Bradshaw, an adult who has devoted her life to developing play opportunites for children
Friendly Business:
Southwood Farmshop and Nurseries, which promotes healthy eating and allows children to meet farmyard animals
Hull's Person of Courage:
James Peaks (9).
See main text
Child Carer of the Year:
Karen Okra, a family support worker and volunteer who goes beyond the call of duty
Entrepreneur of the Year:
Amanda Hartley (19) who runs her own florist shop, with many loyal customers
Achiever of the Year:
(primary) James Peaks (9).
See main text; (secondary) Euloge Kyapi (12), originally from the Congo, who, despite only coming to Hull last year, is doing really well at school and is overcoming the language barrier; (16+ category) Daniel Walker (17), who despite being poorly for much of his life, and needing weekly blood infusions, is working hard at Hull College and growing in confidence


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