The families of Hillsborough victims were honoured at the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain awards.

The award recognised the families courageous campaign, which has been going for almost 25 years, and their long fight for justice for the 96 Liverpool fans who died in the tragedy.

ITV News presenter Mark Austin, who covered the Hillsborough disaster in April 1989,  introduced the special recognition awards.

He said it was an assignment he would never forget, and although the victims' families were let down by police and politicians they never gave in.

The award was collected on behalf of the families by chairwoman of the Hillsborough Families Support Group Margaret Aspinall.

As she took to the stage last night she received a standing ovation.

The award was presented by Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, former Reds players Jamie Carragher and John Barnes, and city comedian John Bishop.

Mrs Aspinall said the award was not about individuals, but about all the families and the fans and survivors of that day.

She added: "This is the pride of Merseyside - I'd like to thank our city for standing by us all these years."

The ceremony was held at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London's Park Lane.

Mrs Aspinall also told the star-studded audience: "It's been one hell of a journey, not been easy.

"What the establishment forgot is there were 24,000 witnesses there that day, and they needed truth and justice as well as the families."

The fifteenth year of the awards was marked by a gala ceremony and it was hosted by broadcaster and presenter Carol Vorderman.

Scores of the country's most famous celebrities graced the red carpet to pay tribute to the Pride of Britain.

Prime Minister David Cameron  and Wallsey-born  baker Paul Hollywood, who stars in the BBC's Great British Bake Off, were among those in attendance.

The awards will be shown on ITV at 8pm today.

Source: Liverpool Echo