Cliff Richard has made an energised return to the spotlight and Stephen Hawking quipped about the complexities of Brexit at an awards ceremony dedicated to the country’s unsung heroes.

The singer and theoretical physicist were among the eclectic list of figures who turned out at the 18th Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards.

The glittering annual ceremony was hosted by Carol Vorderman at central London’s Grosvenor House, with awards spanning categories including special recognition, emergency services, child of courage and TSB community partner.

As he walked the red carpet, Richards said he was “bounding with energy” to be making his major first television appearance since an investigation into child sex allegations was dropped.

The 76-year-old veteran singer, who has launched legal action against the BBC and South Yorkshire Police for alleged collusion in the case, retreated from public life during the two-year probe that saw albums and a biography postponed. He said: “When you go through something like the last two years in my life, you realise how lucky you are really. That’s just a blip in my life, really.”

Later taking to the stage to present an award, Richards said the night’s tales of “success and suffering” had helped put his experience in perspective.

“It was nothing,” he added.

That’s just a blip in my life, really

After being greeted by waiting schoolchildren as she arrived, Prime Minister Theresa May introduced Hawking as the recipient of the lifetime achievement award and said he had “quite simply changed the way we think about the world around us”.

The acclaimed thinker replied: “Thank you, Prime Minister, for those very kind words.

“I deal with tough mathematical questions every day – but please don’t ask me to help with Brexit.”

The Prince of Wales speaks with Cliff Richard at the Prince’s Trust reception at the 2016 Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards. Photos: PA WireThe Prince of Wales speaks with Cliff Richard at the Prince’s Trust reception at the 2016 Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards. Photos: PA Wire

Humanitarian surgeon David Nott received a lengthy standing ovation after a video depicting his efforts in volunteering his medical expertise in various conflict zones including Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria was played to the audience.

The Prince of Wales also attended to present The Prince’s Trust Young Achiever Award to Francesca Brown, 25, who overcame depression and family troubles to found an inspirational football development programme for girls called “Goals4Girls”.

William Edwards, who risked his own life to save pensioner Anne Wade while she was trapped inside a burning car, was honoured as an outstanding bravery award winner and said his experience had inspired him to join the fire service.

YouTube star Nikki Christou, from Enfield, also received cheers as she arrived on stage to bepresented with a child of courage award.

The 12-year-old was diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening facial disfigurement arteriovenous malformation – an abnormal connection between arteries and veins – at the age of just six.

Two years after her diagnosis she started a YouTube channel, featuring make-up and baking tutorials, which now has 95,000 subscribers.

The winners were chosen by a judging panel made up of celebrated figures in national life and organisers received tens of thousands of nominations from the public while researchers discovered “remarkable individuals”.

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