A GROUP of police officers, specialist nurses and coroners have been recognised with a special 'Unsung Hero' award after their efforts following the Manchester Arena terror attack.

The Police/Nurses Swan Squad, who provided care to victims and bereaved families as a single team across Manchester in the aftermath of the attack on May 22, were recognised at the Pennine Acute Trust's local NHS Staff Awards, on November 17.

The awards, voted for by the public and Trust members, celebrate the success and achievements of staff at the Trust's four hospitals and community services in Bury, Rochdale, North Manchester and Oldham, and were attended by over 600 staff.

Jim Potter, Chairman of The Northern Care Alliance Group which runs the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and Salford Royal NHS Foudation Trust, said: "This is a team who's professionalism, skill, responsiveness, compassion and courage has been second to none as they have faced, without doubt, their most difficult and testing period in their careers.

"What is so very special about this team is that this is very much a discreet team that quietly in the background do what they are best at - caring and supporting people in the darkest and most difficult of circumstances.

"Their impact and ongoing support provided to the victims and their families has been immeasurable.

"Everyone who has been involved in this fantastic team has contributed beyond words in the vital role they have provided for the victims and in supporting their families."

In a highlight at this year's awards, staff and guests were given the opportunity to hold and take photographs with the 'Special Recognition' Pride of Britain award, given to Manchester medics, including NHS staff across Greater Manchester involved in responding to the Arena attack, which was displayed onstage throughout the ceremony.

Sir David Dalton, Group Chief Executive at the Trust and of the Northern Care Alliance, said: "The event is a wonderful celebration of the great things our staff do and achieve, and an important formal recognition of our staff and volunteers who have not only lived and delivered the Trust's values, but who have gone the extra mile and shown exceptional skills, care and compassion.

"This year's awards were a fantastic success and a fitting way to say well done and thank you."

Winners for Bury and Rochdale Care Organisation were:

Admin/Secretarial Worker of the Year - Joanne Porter and Vicky White; Stroke Clinical Audit Facilitators

Allied Health Professional/Technical/Scientific/Social Worker of the Year - Kieran Simpson; Learning Technologist

Doctor of the Year - Dr Sweta Pradhan; Consultant Physician

Nurse or Midwife of the Year - Amanda Haworth; Ward Manager

Support Worker of the Year - Bethany Scholes; Healthcare Assistant

Team Contribution to Outstanding Care - Fairfield General Hospital Accident and Emergency Department Team

Quality Improvement and Productivity Award - Fairfield General Hospital Team AMU

Learner of the Year Award - Sam Reece; Nurse Practitioner and Practice Based Educator

Award for Clinical Excellence - Cancer Research Team

Leading by Example Award - Ellishia Carter; Ward Manger

Volunteer of the Year - Debra Howard

Also recognised at the awards were Dawn Littler, Labour Ward Midwife/Bereavement Nurse at North Manchester Hospital, who received the Patients Choice Award; and staff on Ward F5 at North Manchester Hospital, who received the Chief Executive's Achievement Award.