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MAY THE FORCES BE WITH YOU

Theresa May hails our brave Armed Forces as ‘the best in the world’ as we celebrate military heroism at The Sun Military Awards

Celebs like Carol Vorderman, Jamie Vardy and Susanna Reid joined the PM at the star-studded bash

composite Millies

PRIME Minister Theresa May last night told our awesome Armed Forces “You’re the best in the world” as she led a host of famous names hailing their ­heroism at The Sun Military Awards.

Stars including Carol Vorderman, Jamie Vardy and Susanna Reid joined the PM at the glittering bash, dubbed the Millies.

 Theresa May praised our armed forces as 'the best in the world' at last night's Millies awards
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Theresa May praised our armed forces as 'the best in the world' at last night's Millies awardsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 The PM led a host of famous faces in honouring the military heroism of our armed forces
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The PM led a host of famous faces in honouring the military heroism of our armed forces

Guest of honour Mrs May also praised The Sun and our brilliant army of readers for supporting Our Boys and Girls.

To huge applause Mrs May said: “If there is one thing I can tell you after just five months in the job, there is no greater honour than working with the men and women of our Armed Forces. You are truly the finest in the world and on behalf of the whole country I want to say to each and every one of you a huge thank you for everything you do.

“Can I also thank The Sun not just for these awards but for the way in which they stand up for and take pride in our Armed Forces week in and week out.”

 Celebs like Leicester ace Jamie Vardy also attended the glittering bash
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Celebs like Leicester ace Jamie Vardy also attended the glittering bashCredit: Darren Fletcher Photography
 And some of our boys were keen to get a selfie with I'm A Celebrity's Carol Vorderman
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And some of our boys were keen to get a selfie with I'm A Celebrity's Carol VordermanCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Mrs May presented the Heroes Overseas Unit award to ten RAF men and women for their part in the war against IS in Syria.

Men and women from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF rubbed shoulders with stars including Judge Rinder and Ola Jordan as ten awards were handed out by Lorraine Kelly at London’s Guildhall.

Carol, 55, an Honorary Group Captain for the RAF Air Cadets, said: “It is very inspirational to be at the Millies. A lot of celebrities want to be here to meet these wonderful heroes.”

The star, in a scarlet sequinned gown, said the muscle-bound forces heroes inspired her to work out.

She said: “The lads were ripped. They’ve inspired me to get fitter.”

And she revealed she will see Joel Dommett, who she flirted with in the Celebrity jungle, next week.

She said: “I hope we can go for a workout together. I will take him up in my airplane when he’s back.”

 Mrs May presented the Hero Overseas Award to 10 soldiers for their role fighting IS in Syria
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Mrs May presented the Hero Overseas Award to 10 soldiers for their role fighting IS in SyriaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 Lorraine Kelly presented 10 awards over the course of the night, helped by a host of celeb supporters
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Lorraine Kelly presented 10 awards over the course of the night, helped by a host of celeb supportersCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 Judge Rinder and Carol Vorderman joined Lorraine on stage to present the Hero At Home Award
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Judge Rinder and Carol Vorderman joined Lorraine on stage to present the Hero At Home AwardCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Jamie, 29, attending with wife Rebekah, said: “We’re really pleased to be here. We’re not heroes as footballers, these guys are.”

Special Boat Service veteran Ant Middleton, the star of SAS Who Dares Wins, said: “It’s exciting to be here and to be back with my own. It’s a massive honour. In the military it’s always give, give, give but never receive.”

Model Katie Piper said: “It’s important we don’t shy away from what happens. This is the reality for many people.”

Judy Murray, mum to tennis world No1 Andy, said: “They put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe so it’s great to honour them in this way. There are so many heroes in that room.”

Millies judge, model Penny Lancaster, 45, told The Sun: “Quite often they say they don’t deserve awards but they absolutely do.”

 Judy Murray, mum of tennis world no.1 Andy, said it was 'great' to be able to honour British heroes
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Judy Murray, mum of tennis world no.1 Andy, said it was 'great' to be able to honour British heroesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

The nominees began their day at No10 where they were hosted by Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon and Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach.

Sir Michael said: “Over the past nine years, the Millies have enabled the British public to show their appreciation for the hard work and commitment of our Armed Forces.”

Victoria Cross icon Johnson Beharry said: “I am honoured to be standing here with all these servicemen and women.”

 The nominees' day began with a meeting with Defence Secretary Michael Fallon at Downing Street
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The nominees' day began with a meeting with Defence Secretary Michael Fallon at Downing StreetCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 Fallon said the Millies enabled the public to show their appreciation for the armed forces
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Fallon said the Millies enabled the public to show their appreciation for the armed forcesCredit: Jamie Lorriman
 SAS legend Phil Compton praised the Millies for honouring British armed forces at a time when tank-chasing lawyers would ruin the military's reputation
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SAS legend Phil Compton praised the Millies for honouring British armed forces at a time when tank-chasing lawyers would ruin the military's reputationCredit: Jamie Lorriman

SAS legend “Big” Phil Campion said: “In a world where ambulance-chasing lawyers want to drag our heroes through courts, the Millies is more important than ever.

“The Sun is bang on the money with this brilliant event.”

A three-hour talkRADIO live show was broadcast from the Millies with host James Whale ­capturing the wonder of the night of heroes.

The Millies show will be broadcast on Forces TV on Saturday and Sunday at 6pm.

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