IT was a very special night for everyone involved - but particularly for the 21 finalists including 12 winners of the first ever Pride of Andover Awards.

There were tears and laughter aplenty - occasionally at the same time - as the highly enjoyable and life-affirming evening unfolded.

Compere Richard Cart-ridge, from Original 106FM, and broadcaster and journalist Esther Rantzen, were the perfect combination for one of Andover's most prestigious and fun evenings of the year.

More than 180 people attended the awards held at The Lights last week, consisting mainly of the finalists themselves and their friends and relatives.

Many of the finalists were nervous about going up on stage to collect their awards - but Esther deftly managed to get the best out of them, after Richard movingly outlined why they had been nominated.

Highlight of the evening without doubt was the extraordinary vaudeville double-act between Esther and Sylvia Wicks, who won the Mayor's Award for Outstanding Contribution (see next page).

The awards were sponsored by HSA and Stannah, were part of Andover Vision, led by the Andover Advertiser and backed by Testway Housing, Test Valley Community Services and Test Valley Borough Council.

Waitrose provided sparkling wine and Leckford Estate provided apple juice.