WELL, what a brilliant night the Heart of Ulverston Awards were.

Regular readers of this newspaper will no doubt already know the type of place Ulverston is.

Friendly, inclusive and community-spirited are just some of the words that immediately spring to mind.

And that was driven home on Friday night when hundreds of people packed into the Coronation Hall to recognise those who go above and beyond, smile in the face of adversity and give their all to make the town a better place to live and work.

The winner of the Lifetime Achievement award was Nigel Atkinson, chairman of Ulverston's Rugby League Club - a deserving winner who accepted his award on behalf of everyone at the club.

It is that sort of thinking that makes the town such a brilliant place.

Everyone has other people's backs.

They support local businesses - after all they are the lifeblood of a thriving community.

We also heard many inspirational stories, some sad but simply awe-inspiring.

The Clark family are battling an unimaginable situation - but the way they are dealing with what life has dealt them is admirable.

Thanks must go to the organisers and sponsors who made the evening such a memorable occasion for all involved.