GORDON Brown shakes hands with hero soldier Martyn Compton at a glittering
Sun-backed awards ceremony last night.

The Prime Minister met the wounded Afghanistan serviceman as he presented
The Sun Global Recognition Award to our Armed Forces at Britain's Best 2008
Awards.

A host of celebrities turned out to honour the awe-inspiring bravery of our
Army, Navy and RAF heroes like Martyn, 24, for their efforts in far-flung
trouble zones like Afghanistan and Iraq.

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Mr Brown also met wounded Afghanistan hero Ben McBean, 21.

He said: "Thanks to The Sun and ITV for this award because it is vital we
promote the talent this country has. We have so much to be proud of in
Britain and I'm honoured to be here tonight among such inspiring characters.

"Troops like Ben McBean remind us of the courage and bravery that our forces
have, and despite everything they are so upbeat and determined to get on
with things. It's very humbling meeting those chaps, I could talk to them
all night.

"I hope to see many more occasions like this so that we keep in mind the
people that make Britain Great."

Brave Ben and Martyn accepted the award on behalf of the Armed Forces, who
were chosen for the gong by Sun editor Rebekah Wade.

Ben was hailed "the real hero" of the Afghan conflict by Prince Harry after
losing two limbs in fighting.

He said: "I love the fact that newspapers like The Sun are making sure
troops are getting the thanks and appreciation they deserve. This award was
on behalf of all the lads still out there or who didn't make it."

Martyn, whom Prince William has singled out in the past, suffered appalling
burns to 70 per cent of his body when the Taliban struck his vehicle in
2006.

His comrades died and his condition was so severe that his uniform was
melted to his body. Last night his proud fiancee Michelle tearfully
applauded from the audience. They are to wed this year.

The heroes were joined by comrades from the Household Cavalry Regiment, 40
Commando Royal Marines and RAF.

Their honour -- which also reflected the Forces' work in peacekeeping and
disaster relief -- crowned a magnificent evening which also saw a galaxy of
stars proudly clutching their Britain's Best 2008 awards.

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Chef Gordon Ramsay, who arrived at the bash on London's South Bank with wife
Tana, won the Television Award for shows like the F Word and Ramsay's
Kitchen Nightmares after a glowing tribute from close pal Victoria Beckham.

F1 ace Lewis Hamilton won the Sport Award and gave his thanks via a
videolink. Dad Antony collected the 23-year-old's honour on his behalf.

Hollywood actor Jude Law heaped praise on Campaigner of The Year Jeremy
Gilley, whose Peace One Day organisation provides help around the world.

BAFTA-winning Atonement star James McAvoy jetted in from Berlin to accept
his Film Award.

X Factor winner Leona Lewis was beamed live from the US to pass on her
thanks for the Music Award.

And OC star Mischa Barton presented the Business Award to British fashion
house Marchesa.

London mayor Boris Johnson handed over the Walkers Home Grown New Talent
Award to diving wonderkid Tom Daley.

Tom's award was decided by the votes of Sun readers. At just 13 he has been
picked to represent Britain at this year's Olympics in China.

He said: "I'm so happy to win and it was great that I was voted for by so
many Sun readers." Mr Johnson said: "This boy is an inspiration -- the best
of the best."

The PM, accompanied by wife Sarah, said: "What a remarkable young man. I
can't wait to see how he gets on in Beijing. These are the young guys we
should be investing in -- they are the future."

Revered architect Lord Norman Foster won the Arts Award for his
ground-breaking designs. Other stars to walk down the red carpet included
Page 3 beauty Keeley Hazell in a blue Marc Jacobs dress.

Also at the bash was Bionic Woman star Michelle Ryan -- who played Zoe
Slater in EastEnders. She dazzled in a black dress that showed off her
svelte figure.

She was joined by TV presenter Claudia Winkleman, comedian Patrick Kielty,
socialite Tara Palmer-Tomkinson.

Davina McCall, Abi Titmuss, Damon Hill, Bonnie Langford, Sharon Marshall and
rising 18-year-old golf star Henni Zuel -- nominated for the Walkers Home
Grown Talent Award.

ITV's Britain's Best is held in association with The Sun and sponsored by
Walkers. It pays tribute to high-achieving Britons in various fields and
will be aired on TV this Friday.

The majority of honours were chosen by a panel including Lord Seb Coe, M&S
boss Stuart Rose and ex England rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward.

The event was hosted by Britain's Got Talent judge Piers Morgan.