AIREDALE'S 'healthcare heroes' have been honoured.

Thirteen accolades were handed out in the first ever Pride of Airedale awards.

More than 140 nominations were received for staff working across the NHS Foundation Trust.

The overall Pride of Airedale title was shared between physiotherapist Teri Loftus and speech and language therapist Debra Borsley.

Other winners included Sue Hardeman, head of health records at Airedale Hospital, who took the leader of the year prize.

She said: "I am humbled, honoured and proud to have won.

"It is the team behind the leader that makes things happen and I would like to thank my team for its continuous hard work."

All nominees attended a presentation ceremony and dinner dance at the Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley.

Bridget Fletcher, the trust's chief executive, said: "I am extremely proud of all our staff and the amazing work they do every day and these awards have been a great opportunity to celebrate their successes and congratulate those who go above and beyond to support their patients and colleagues.

"I believe this event will inspire others to look at ways in which we can all work together to do things differently so we can provide high quality care in a way that best suits patients' needs."

Other winners were: technology & innovation, the telemedicine team; outstanding patient care, Gavin Anderson; excellent patient experience, telemedicine nurses; Right Care award, Gold Line team; unsung hero, Nicola Riley; volunteer of the year, Isobel Scarborough; transforming and integration, estates & facilities; team of the year, Here to Care Project team; colleague of the year, David Vickers; improving staff experience, Richard Jackson, and ward of the year, Acute Medical Unit.