She knew it was going to be tough but she never suspected it would prove so difficult to pick this year's winners.
It was in mid-January when Niomi McLean-Daley - better known as singer Ms Dynamite - joined Sir Richard Branson and Joanna Lumley to pore over a mountain of nomination forms with the other judges - Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens, GMTV's Fiona Phillips, former Pride of Britain winner Michelle Lewis and the Chancellor's wife Sarah Brown.
They met at Sir Richard's West London home and were locked in heated debate for hours as they read the stories of men, women and children who had been nominated in their thousands by members of the public.
Citations also came in from the emergency services, charities and voluntary organisations all over Britain.
While the criterion for choosing the winners was simple - each must have done something to inspire us all - the task of actually picking them was anything but straightforward.
Fiona Phillips, in her second year as a judge, summed up the mood around the table when she said: "Every single year you think maybe it will get easier but it doesn't."
Ms Dynamite said: "It's very humbling. I've been getting awards just for making a song, but these people have done amazing things that aren't just part of doing their jobs. Singing songs is nothing next to this.
"It's been totally inspiring. To be giving people something they really deserve is an incredible privilege."
Regular panellist Sir Richard said: "I've been part of Pride of Britain since day one and it is still amazing year after year. This year it has been just as inspiring and just as tremendous."
Sarah Brown, who presented an award at last year's ceremony, said: "I wasn't surprised by the courage and selflessness of the nominees because I already know people are amazing.
"But it's lovely to be able to give awards to people who really deserve them."
Disabled athlete Michelle, who won the fundraiser category in the 2000 awards, said: "This is the first time I've been on a and if it was up to me, I'd give them all an award."
Joanna Lumley added: "The experience has been completely uplifting. It makes you realise there are so many fantastic people in the world."
The panel, chaired by Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan, struggled to compile a shortlist. They had to pick winners in eight categories: Beyond the Call of Duty, Bravery, Carer, Children of Courage, Fundraiser, teacher, Special Awards and Lifetime Achievement. But as the shortlist was read out and heroic story followed selfless act, the judges' task only got harder.
For Sir John, Britain's most senior police officer, hearing so many tales of public courage was heartening and inspiring.
At the end of the meeting, he said: "There were so many worthy contenders, but the right decisions have been made.
"To us in the police, the kind of people we are honouring are invaluable. To see people who have been stabbed or burned continuing to save the lives of others is extraordinary."
Piers Morgan said: "It was harder than ever to choose between the entrants, but I'm convinced we made the right decisions in the end."
Click
an image to enlarge
