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

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.