Applause for ‘father’ Peter

THIS year’s awards also paid tribute to Pride of Britain founder Peter Willis, who tragically died earlier this year.

Peter – who had stints editing the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror and Sunday People – had been part of the Mirror group for 23 years

Reach PLC’S Group Editor-inchief Lloyd Embley said: “When Peter died in June this year, a light went out at the Mirror... and at Pride of Britain.

“This was his baby – and we are going to do everything we can to look after it for him.

“Peter was unquestionably a brilliant journalist but, as far as legacies go, creating this takes some beating, doesn’t it?”

A standing ovation for Peter – pictured above with host Carol Vorderman – followed a short film highlighting his greatest

Pride of Britain moments.