Hundreds of guests saw community champions, sports heroes and entrepreneurs honoured at Fusion 2014.

This years’ event at King George’s Hall in Blackburn was the biggest Fusion Awards ever.

And there was even a special appearance by pop star Juggy D who was on hand to present a community sports award in memory of a Blackburn Ju Jitsu Instructor.

East Lancashire winners included the Blackburn’s Youth Action. The group walked away with the Youth Leadership Award.

Amar Abass from the group said, "We are very proud to be the winners of the Youth Leadership Award.

“This is a great public recognition of the hard work that the volunteers and staff of Youth Action do to support the 8,000 children and young people we support every year.

“Ultimately it’s about empowering young people, and our Youth Action Ambassadors Group is a proud testament to the advocacy and campaigning our young people do, on behalf of other young people.”

The Community Cohesion Award went to Inspiring Grace of Pendle who have developed innovative projects to help to dispel myths about different communities.

Their range of projects has been quite appealing and aimed to make a huge difference through volunteering.

Blackburn Central High School pupil Billy Maxwell picked-up the UCLan Education Achievement Award.

He said, “It is an honour to win this award here in Blackburn.”

The Mumtaz Ellahi Community Sports Award went to Siraz Natha of Preston.

Ajwer Ellahi, son of Mumtaz joined Juggy D on stage to present an award to Siraz.

Siraz who has been involved in community sports for over 30 years was also someone who helped to implement the Beez Card Scheme in Blackburn with Darwen.

The Public Service Award went to Padmini Sankar, a doctor of foetal medicine working for four hospitals across the North West.

Her role as a foetal medical advance practitioner ultrasound sees her work in Oldham, Rochdale, Fairfield and North Manchester hospitals.

Dr Mounir Hakimi a doctor who has assisted hundreds in the Syrian conflict and raised millions for charity was named Man of the Year.

He said: “I have never won an award before.

“It is a real honour and a privilege to win this award.

“Thank you to the Fusion Awards for giving me an opportunity to let people become aware of what is really happening in Syria.”

On stage Dr Hakimi thanked his family friends and other members of his charity.

“This award will motivate me work harder and raise more money for charity,” he added.

“It is dedicated to all those who are suffering across the world.”

He was honoured alongside charity worker Wendy Weevers who aims to make the lives young children affected by illness better through donations.

The Community Group of the Year category went to the team from Outreach Bolton team who work with disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals.

Two sisters from Manchester, Christine and Jenny Chau collected the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Apprentice Star Azhar Siddique.

Eleven-year-old Aamir Mitha, of Bolton, picked-up the Achievement in Sport Award on the night.

A special Fusion Community Achievement award went to 81 year-old community worker Nagindas Gandhi who was recognised for his services to the region.

This year’s event is supported by UCLan, BAE Systems, AMT Lawyers, Blackburn with Darwen Council, ILM, Drakes Eye Care, First Class Learning and Asian Image