THE men and women who become the everyday angels and heroes of the town's health services have been awarded for their good work.

On Friday, hundreds of the NHS's finest packed out the Premier Suite of the Macron Stadium for the 2016 Bolton NHS Foundation Trust Staff Awards.

In its third year, the event celebrates the work of individuals and teams across the borough.

Nominees had been nominated by their fellow employees, bosses and the public for making an outstanding contribution in their daily work.

Leading the celebrations were Trust chairman David Wakefield and chief executive Dr Jackie Bene.

Mr Wakefield said: "This is a fantastic celebration. We have people here who have been nominated by their peers and shortlisted for fantastic reasons.

"I watched the parade through Manchester and all our returning heroes from the Olympics. The people in this room tonight are my heroes."

Among the winners were health care assistant Christine Lewis, who won the Unsung Hero Award and was nominated by her colleagues on D4 ward for her dedication and "beautiful personality".

Despite being shocked when finding out she was nominated, the 55-year-old from Leigh was delighted to win the award.

Student of the Year went to Rushana Hussain, aged 35, from Halifax, who has been working in microbiology in the Trust's laboratory team.

She said: "It's amazing to get the award! It's been really good working with the organisation.

"I've felt really supported in Bolton, I wouldn't want to work anywhere else."

This year saw the introduction of three new awards recognising contribution to patient safety, being an inspiration to colleagues and a Patient Choice Award, with a shortlist nominated by members of the public.

Stephen Tyldsley, divisional director of operations estates and facilities, received the Chairman and Chief Executive's award and was given a standing ovation.

The 51-year-old, from Farnworth, said: "I'm really, really surprised, I didn't expect it at all. It is the effort of the whole estates team not just me.

"I started in this role as an apprentice, left to do other things, going overseas to the Falklands, and came back in 2002.

"As a team we try to do our best to ensure the Trust is safe and clean and sustainable for the future."

The awards come off the back of the Bolton Trust being awarded a 'good' rating the Care Quality Commission.

In recognition of their work towards achieving the inspection result, director of nursing, Trish Armstrong-Child and Foundation Trust Secretary, Esther Steel, also received a special award.

Mrs Armstrong-Child said: "It has been an amazing night.

"We have come such a long way in three years and that is all down to our staff."