BOLTON Pride celebrated in style at its third annual Diversity Awards ceremony.

The event recognises how the town supports and embraces the LGBT+ community.

Festival director James Edgington said: “The atmosphere was fantastic. As expected, everyone was very supportive. It was a night to remember.”

Bolton’s Albert Halls was the venue for the event and judges included BWFC’s Phil Mason, Attitude magazine editor-in-chief Matt Cain, Former Manchester Mayor Carl Austin-Behan and Bolton Pride Festival Director James Edgington.

They had the difficult task of choosing the winners from those nominated by the public.

Saturday’s event also featured live entertainment by Faheem Ashraf of The Voice, and a live band.

Among the winners were Steve Sherry, who picked up the Outstanding Contribution award for the weekly LGBT+ support group he runs at Bolton YMCA.

The Sir Ian McKellen Awards (Raising awareness and support for the LGBT community) were given to television soap Hollyoaks for its portrayal of LGBT issues, and Norma Rutherford, retired events director for Bolton Council.

Pierrette Squires won the Darren Batey Award (Volunteering) for the local business network partnership she has established.

Local trans-awareness charity, Chrysalis, was named Hate Crime Champion.

Other winners were:

Business/Organisation of the Year: Pathways; Adult Diversity Champion(s) (21+): Toni Brocklehurst; Youth Diversity Champion(s) (21-): Euan Holmes.