Edinburgh’s Lisa Petrie and East Lothian’s Rocco Wood got their worthy recognition at the star-studded awards

Hometown heroes from across Edinburgh and the Lothians were celebrated alongside musical icons at this year’s Forth Awards.

Knife crime campaigner Lisa Petrie and inspirational 17-year-old Rocco Wood picked up awards at Thursday’s award show, which saw the likes of Emeli Sandé and Cammy Barnes wow the sold-out Usher Hall crowd.

Local radio station Forth 1 recognised the region’s best and brightest for a whole host of achievements from best teacher to best visitor attraction.

Edinburgh’s own Lisa Petrie took home the all important Local Hero award just over a year on from the fatal stabbing of her son John McNabb in Leith.

Misty-eyed Lisa got a standing ovation from the sell-out Usher Hall crowd | Greg Macvean Photography

placeholder image — Misty-eyed Lisa got a standing ovation from the sell-out Usher Hall crowd | Greg Macvean Photography

Faced with an unimaginable personal tragedy, Lisa has campaigned tirelessly for tougher action knife crime and has become a local legend for her work.

The emotional mum told the Evening News she was “overwhelmed” by her shock win, adding “John gives me strength, realistically it’s him.

“If I can save another family then I’m going to try my utmost to do that.”

Her work includes assembling and distributing more than 100 lifesaving emergency bleed kits to businesses and premises across Edinburgh and Midlothian, as well as calling for stricter rules around the sale of knives in shops.

Rocco Wood’s extraordinary resilience after being born three months premature was also celebrated with a Cash for Kids award.

The 17-year-old East Lothian teenager was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and requires 24-hour care.

Usher Hall came alive with music as local heroes and music icons shared the stage | Google Maps

Rocco is at high school and is looking ahead to the goal of independent living after Cash For Kids helped support his family by getting a state-of-the-art eye-gaze communication machine, as well as a trike to help develop his strength following major spinal surgery.

Sadly he was unable to attend the glitzy ceremony in which Sandé and Barnes also picked up awards.

Speaking to the Evening News said: “I’m all excited, I didn’t know I was getting it so it was a really nice surprise.”

“The first time I performed in Edinburgh was at the Mash House and now to come back and win Artist of the Year for Forth 1 is pretty crazy so I’m chuffed to bits.”

Sandé similarly said: “It feels wonderful, it feels great to be back in Scotland and to get this recognition.

Musical stars Emeli Sandé and Forth-born Cammy Barnes wowed the audience with their hits | Greg Macvean Photography

“Edinburgh’s such a beautiful city. Sadly we’re in and out but it just reminded me I really want to come back and explore.”

David Robertson, director of content for the Hits Radio Brand (including Forth 1), Scotland and Northern Ireland said: “In our 21st year of the Forth Awards, we continue to be inspired by the local listeners striving to make a difference and delivering, at times, life-changing work in their local communities.

“Whether it’s a teacher supporting kids in school, or individuals like Lisa Petrie campaigning on a national level, it’s Forth 1’s honour to shine a spotlight on them and say thank you. We send our huge congratulations to all of today’s worthy winners, and a special thanks to our outstanding performers for entertaining our sold out crowd.”

The full list of winners are: