They knew it was going to be a tough challenge, but our panel of judges never suspected it would prove so difficult to pick this year's winners.
It was mid-January when Cherie Booth QC and Sir Richard Branson sifted through a mountain of nomination forms with the other judges - heart surgeon Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, Olympic gold medal hero Sir Steve Redgrave, Omagh bomb survivor Donna-Marie McGillion and GMTV presenters Eamonn Holmes and Fiona Phillips.
They met at Sir Richard's West London home and were locked in animated debate for hours as they discussed the merits of men, women and children who had been nominated in their thousands by Mirror readers and GMTV viewers.
And they were all overwhelmed by the extraordinary stories of the entrants.
The criteria for winners was simple - they must have done something to inspire us all. But the task of picking them was anything but straightforward.
Ms Booth summed up the mood "It was a terrifically hard job - I knew it would be tough, but I didn't expect it to be almost impossible.
"There were so many amazing acts of bravery and selflessness by children and adults, it really lifted my spirits."
Sir Richard, who has been a panellist every year since the awards began in 1999, said: "The standard gets higher and higher. These are the everyday heroes whom it's important to honour.
"Pride of Britain gives us all a chance to celebrate their victories, to be proud of what they have done and to be proud of our country. It's so special. Who could fail to be moved?"
For Donna-Marie, the story of little Joseph Anderson, who was badly burned by hot water, brought back floods of memories.
She said: "I have a closeness with anyone who has suffered burns. I know what they are going through. It's not just coping with the injuries but the aftermath as well."
Sir Steve, who was named Sportsperson of the Year at last year's awards, was overwhelmed by the tales of brave children who had put their lives on the line to save others.
Shaking his head in disbelief, he said: "What struck me was how many people there are out there who are willing to make sacrifices for others.
"An event like this restores my faith in humanity. It's good for the nation and it's good for us."
Our panel, chaired by Mirror editor Piers Morgan, struggled to reach a shortlist. Categories ranged from Outstanding Acts of Bravery and Fundraiser of the Year to Child of Courage, Teacher of the Year and a Lifetime Achievement award.
Eamonn, who was clearly moved by the nominations, said: "My first feeling was what an unworthy person I am. To hear of people who had leapt into a freezing river or jumped into a fire and whose only thought was to help someone else was very humbling.
"There was selflessness, courage and the overwhelming feeling that there is so much good in the world."
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