TEARS were shed and stories shared at a special ceremony to honour Bolton’s unsung heroes.

A glitzy bash was held on Friday to mark the fourth annual Mecca Bingo Awards – held to reward carers, parents, neighbours and fundraisers who go the extra mile.

Taking home the accolade for local hero of the year was Stuart Barnes, the director of Farnworth charity Zac’s Youth Bar.

Stuart was praised for his “tireless” work to support more than 1,600 young people across Bolton every year.

Horwich 21-year-old Jason Holland won carer of the year after being nominated by his mother Cheryl, who he has cared for since he was 13 years old.

In her nomination, Cheryl said: “I just want to say thank you. For caring for me, for missing out whilst friends played. You are a great lad at heart and deserve the world.”

The award for grandparents of the year went to Lynda and Len Twist, from Eccles.

They were nominated by their daughter Clair Beswick, from Smithills, whose daughter Lily Beswick died from cancer in November 2012 aged 21 months.

In her nomination, Clair said: “In 2012, when Lily was diagnosed with cancer, they were so supportive and amazing. I really couldn't have coped without them.

“They have been utterly devastated since Lily died but they continue to talk about her and include her in everything they do for their other grandchildren.”

Will Darbyshire-Clarke, Mecca's membership manager in Bolton and Breightmet, said it was a pleasure to compère the event and “share amazing stories from the people of Bolton”.

He added: “Here at Mecca Bolton we have thousands of customers of all ages and backgrounds and the night truly celebrated everything that is great about our town.

“Two stories that brought a tear to everyone’s eye were those of Jason Holland, this year’s carer of the year, and Lynda and Len Twist who won grandparents of the year.

“These were stories of selfless acts of kindness in the face of adversity and the room fell silent when they shared their stories.”

Lavinia Scott and Elizabeth Fallows, who are both in their eighties and live close to each other in Bolton town centre, were awarded friends of the year.

The best friends – who do everything together – first visited Mecca Bingo in 1991 and have now been coming together weekly for more than 24 years.

Mum-of-two Joanne Gavin was named Bolton’s parent of the year.

Joanne, who works full time and is a mentor at Bolton Lads and Girls Club despite having two prolapsed discs in her back, also helps run a majorette troupe and last Christmas fostered a six-year-old girl.

The winners of neighbours of the year were members of Team Eagley Bank, a community group set up by Maureen Heggie which raises thousands of pounds for charity each year and hosts regular community events.

Tracey Wilkinson, fundraising manager of the #defibs4bolton campaign run by the Bolton ICD (implantable cardiac defibrillator) support group, won charity fundraiser of the year after helping raise more than £55,000 to buy 64 defibrillators.

Taking home the prize for pub of the year was Great Ale Year Round, based in the lifestyle hall at Bolton Market.

Oliver Birchall, who runs health food cafe NUTRI-Bar in Chorley Street, won local business of the year and the prize for Loo of the Year went to the toilets at the Market Place shopping centre.