AIREDALE’S ‘healthcare heroes’ have been honoured at a ceremony in Ilkley.

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 glittering presentation ceremony and dinner dance at the Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley.

Bridget Fletcher, the trust’s chief executive, said: “I am proud of all our staff and these awards celebrate their successes.

“I believe this event will inspire others to look at ways in which we can all work together to 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.