This year’s Sovereign Awards took place on Friday 2nd December in a glitzy ceremony at the stunning Grand Hotel in Eastbourne.

13 awards were presented on the night to individuals, businesses and organisations that all had a great story to tell. From personal achievements to spectacular team efforts, the Sovereign Awards celebrates the best in Sussex and reminds us all why the Sovereign FM area is such a great place to live.

We would like to thank all of the sponsors of this year's awards and everyone that took the time to nominate.

To see more about the winners, click on a link below or scroll down the page.

Sovereign Awards Photo Gallery - by www.dbphotographysussex.com


Congratulation to all of the 2011 winners...

Mum Of The Year with Deliciously Gorgeous Chocolate Cafe

WINNER: ESME HEADLAND

Dad Of The Year with The Smugglers Inn pub, Pevensey

WINNER: TONY WALLIS

Tony was nominated by his daughter Suzanna, and took on sole care of her since she was 11 after her mother died of cancer. He has been there for her every step of the way, including supporting her through a very difficult marriage break up three years ago. He was involved in a serious motorbike accident at the beginning of this year, where he was placed on a life-support machine for several weeks. Thankfully he pulled through and made a full recovery, and his love for his family continues to hold no bounds.

Fundraiser Of The Year with The Arndale Shopping Centre

WINNER: LISA SMART

Five years ago, Lisa took on the charity Mustard Seed Relief Mission - which provides much needed project work for disadvantaged children and sending humanitarian aid to the orphanages of the Ukraine and Moldova. Over the last few years, she has turned the charity from one in danger of closing into a very well repected organisation who now helps 42,000 disadvantaged children. Over the last five years, she has raised over £700,000.

Courage Award with Luxury Wedding Cars

WINNER: HARLEY MARSHALL

Harley suffers from Tricuspid Atresia. He has undergone open heart surgery to extend his life and will need another operation in the next year. He visits St Thomas' in London on a regular basis where he undergoes tests and scans each visit. He has just started school which is a huge milestone for him. Harley loves life, really loves life and wants to have a go at everything. He misses a lot that other children take for granted like swimming and football but he never complains and always has a smile.

Chris Copsey Gold Award with Riggzys Complete Kitchen Solutions

WINNER: SIAN HUTCHINSON

Sian has a massive influence in schools and young people in Eastbourne, working in a special school in the Austistic unit. In addition, her commitment and dedication to Live music in Eastbourne is huge. She has booked bands and organised events for over 4 years, and also organises the The Eastbourne Extreme Battle of The Bands event, which gives a platform to hundreds of young aspiring musicians.

Lifetime Acheivement with Rushfields Plant Centre, Poynings

WINNER: DORIT OLIVER-WOLFF

Dorit is a holocaust survivor. She was only five years old when the Second World War started in Yugoslavia and was nine when the war ended. In the following years she lived in Israel, worked as a dancer, was adopted by a German family, studied International Law and Languages and became a successful recording artist. Dorit has called Eastbourne her home for 40 years. She now dedicates her time to speaking to schools and other organisations about her story of survival , the atrocities of the holocaust, hope against all odds, withstanding bullying and fighting for one’s right to live. She's also writing a book about her experiences of growing up in the former Yugoslavia and Hungary.

Sporting Excellence with Pipers

WINNER: STEVIE MEFFEN

13 year old Stevie has been a member of Eastbourne Archers since July 2009. In that time she has won a number of championships – plus she has also gained one national record and thirty Sussex county records. Stevie was also selected to attend the Girls For Gold conference in Edgbaston in September, which features individuals who are seen as potential olympic atheletes for the 2016 games to better help them prepare for competing on the international stage.

Best Friend with Companion Care Vets

WINNER: DENISE JEFFREYS

Denise was nominated by her friend Philippa, whose 19 year old son suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and is now completely wheelchair bound. Denise has always been there for Philippa whenever Dan has been ill. She also supports Philippa’s charity work, looks after her other children...they recently ran the London 10k together too!

Best Business

WINNER: GORDON BUSBRIDGE

Talk about staying power – this business is 100 years old this year! It’s been a family operation since it started out in St Leonards in 1911, set up by its founder with only ten pounds in capital. The St Leonards operation has grown and grown over the years and in 1990, the business expanded into Eastbourne - a site which has also been enlarged on two separate occasions. The company offers a vast selection of furniture through to curtains, carpets and even fitted kitchens. The reasons they’ve been around so long are simple - quality products, great value for money and the first rate personal service that only a family run business can offer.

Best New Business with Tax Assist, Cavendish Place

WINNER: GRAFFITI HAIR DESIGN

Graffiti started trading in September of last year, right in the heart of Little Chelsea. They started out with a small team of four stylists, and, in a very short time have found themselves increasing the workforce up to seven. Nominations praised them for their bright, clean modern salon, their friendly welcoming atmosphere and their attentive, highly trained staff.

Top Teacher with Trident Properties

WINNER: PHIL CROSSINGGUM

Phil teaches at St Andrew's Infant School in Eastbourne, and is regarded as an inspirational teacher. One nomination called him “the kind of teacher that kids will remember for the rest of their lives!” Another said “Mr C is my son’s hero!”

Restaurant Of The Year with EBUK Hairdressing

WINNER: MO MAMBO MANIA

This restaurant is based in Terminus Road, an area which has been through hard times. However, some of the nominations we received firmly believe that this destination has helped to play a part in the regeneration of the area. It has its own unique atmosphere - always lively, always fun and great for families. It received praise for its exceptional food, warm friendly service, great value for money, comfortable seating, wheelchair access and its great for alfresco dining - when the weather is agreeable!

Pub Of The Year with Manor Drinks

WINNER: THE JUNCTION TAVERN, POLEGATE

The Junction Tavern has been under the watch of Michelle and Harry for around seven years. They serve a great selection of real ales and home cooked food plus they have a function room, for up to 120 people, that is perfect for any number of special occasions. It’s an establishment with something for everyone - with plenty of regular events - including poker, bingo, open mic nights and a regular Sunday quiz. One nomination we received even said its the only place locally they would happily take their mum for a drink!