Laura Small crowned UTV's Daily Mirror Pride of Britain winner

The Pride of Britain Awards celebrate the achievements of truly remarkable people who make our world a better place. Screened on ITV in November, it is the biggest awards show of its kind on British TV. Nominated by the public, the winners are from all walks of life, of all ages, and from all over the country.

Laura, who works for the Belfast Giants and has been recognised for her work to make dreams come true and saw off some stiff competition from other worthy, local nominees.

She welcomes local children who are sick or terminally ill and their families to Giants' training sessions and matches providing some much needed respite and cheer. And once these children and their families meet Laura, she becomes a friend for life.

WATCH: UTV's Daily Mirror Pride of Britain winner Laura Small revealed pic.twitter.com/14yfW8ZdC1

— UTV Live News (@UTVNews) September 30, 2022

However, her tireless work doesn't stop there and while Laura has been recognised for her work associated with the Giants, away from the ice she does whatever she can, simply to make life better for people.

Her close friend Nicola Neeson said;

"She goes above and beyond for anyone in need, whether she knows them or not."

"She's volunteered with the homeless, built orphanages in Romania, shaved her head to raise money for charity, driven across the country on Christmas Eve to make sure someone she didn't know had the perfect rugby jersey for Christmas Day when it missed the post. She's driven to hospitals in the middle of the night, organised countless blood donation drives, flown across the country and taken annual leave to visit sick children she views as family... a small number of examples but all of this while managing to hold down a full time job and still making time for her friends and family."

Laura will now trvel to London where she'll meet other regional winners.

Congratulations Laura and good luck in London!