The Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards for unsung heroes attracted more TV viewers than the Baftas and the Brits.
The 13th awards bash was held in London on Monday night and attracted a peak audience of 7 million when it was screened on ITV1 on Wednesday.
Prince Charles, Prime Minister David Cameron, David Beckham and Gary Barlow were among those presenting prizes. Singer Cheryl Cole flew to Afghanistan to salute British troops on the frontline for the awards.
Throughout the two-hour awards TV show the event trended worldwide on Twitter.
Daily Mirror deputy editor Peter Willis, in charge of organising the event, said: “I would like to thank the Mirror’s brilliant team for working round the clock to ensure the awards were a great success.”
Among the winners was Tariq Jahn who was given a spoecial recognition award.
Police credited him with helping to come tensions in Birmingham after his son was run over and whilst trying to protect his community during the Augustt riots.
Hours after his son was killed he famously addressed a crowd outside his home to appeal for calm saying: “Blacks, Asians, whites – we all live in the same community. Why do we have to kill one another?
“Why are we doing this? Step forward if you want to lose your sons. Otherwise, calm down and go home… please.”
The Pride of Britain organisers said: “At a time when many despaired for Britain itself, brave Tariq showed why the killers, looters and thugs will never win.”
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
