FORMER Hear'Say member Noel Sullivan stole the show at the Red Dragon FM Wales Awards.

Cardiff-born Noel, 22, making his first solo appearance since Hear'Say split up, wowed the audience at Cardiff's City Hall by belting out renditions of three classic songs.

After what he called a bad year, Noel told Friday night's audience he was glad to be performing in Wales.

"I've had a hard few months and tonight has restored a bit of faith," he said. "It's great to be playing in Wales again."

Noel had the crowd on their feet - and on their chairs - dancing to Santana's Smooth and the Stereophonics/Tom Jones smash Mama Told Me Not To Come. He later won the 'Help A South Wales Child Award' for his charity work, following thousands of e-mails to Red Dragon from fans demonstrating their support for his loyalty to Wales and his family.

The glittering evening also saw three Gwent heroes honoured for their bravery.

As the Argus reported on Saturday, Shane Jordan, 17, of Maesglas, won the award for Outstanding Service to the Community after he went to the aid of a neighbour who had been attacked with a meat cleaver.

Shane said: "I can't believe it. I didn't even expect to be nominated, and it's a shock to win. I don't think I'm brave - I just did what anyone else would have done in that situation. It wasn't pleasant but I kept my cool."

Shane, whose proud parents were at the awards, thanked his teacher Bob Hughes at Duffryn High for teaching him first aid.

Winners of the Argus-sponsored Local Hero award were Malpas firemen Stuart Baker and Stephen Kilby, who saved the life of worker Derek Bailey, who fell 60ft into a vat of lime in Llanwern steelworks.

Both men were commended by the prime minister in London, but said this meant more to them. Stephen said: "This award is very special to us because it's from our own people, the Welsh people."

Stuart said: "We don't feel like heroes - we just feel like normal firefighters doing our job. This award is really received on behalf of all the firefighters in Britain, who perform acts of bravery every day."

Earlier in the evening the audience at the star-studded bash were entertained by singer Steve Balsamo and Pop Idol finalist Rosie Ribbons. Backstage, Swansea-born Rosie, 19, who recently had a top ten hit with her debut single Blink, denied rumours she was going out with Kian from boyband Westlife.

"What is all that about?" she said. "I have met him once, but there's definitely nothing going on between us. Besides I don't have time, I'm too busy working, so there's no-one special at the moment."

The ceremony, hosted by Red Dragon FM's breakfast team, Jason Harrold and Emma Hignett, raised thousands of pounds for the Help A South Wales Child charity.

* In the picture: Noel Sullivan meets firefighters Stuart Baker, left, and Stephen Kilby.