SIR David Jason, Lord Melvyn Bragg, Sir Geoff Hurst and Gordon Banks were among the over-65s honoured at an awards ceremony held by Churchill Retirement Living.

The Ringwood-based developer organises the Churchill Awards to celebrate the achievements of people past the traditional retirement age.

Dame Esther Rantzen, the company’s Churchill Ambassador, hosted the ceremony at the Mandarin Oriental in London, which also prizes go to Baroness Joan Bakewell, Moira Stewart, Sir James Dyson and Dame Jacqueline Wilson.

Dame Esther said: “I wholeheartedly congratulate the winners of these awards for providing us with such remarkable role models. They have all made a difference to the lives of millions of people over the past year, and this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase and celebrate their achievements.

“We will continue to be inspired by them and learn from them.”

Spencer McCarthy, chairman and chief executive of Churchill Retirement Living, said: “The Churchill Awards highlight everything the over-65s contribute to our society, and recognise the significant amount they still have to offer. It was a pleasure to welcome all our winners to celebrate with us this year and I would like to thank all our judges and everyone who has played a part in these awards, which continue to go from strength to strength.”

The full list of winners is as follows.

Art: Margaret Calvert. Business: Sir James Dyson. Contribution to charity: John Burkhill, Sir Geoff Hurst, Gordon Banks. Churchill owner (highly commended): Ann and Mervyn Clark; Peter Fleming. Churchill owner: Bill Morgan. Literature: Lord Melvyn Brag. Local hero: Danny and Val Edwards (joint winners); Oriana Taylor (joint winner). Military: Commander Robert Cribb.

Music (popular): David Gilmour. Music (classical): Sir James Galway. Politics: Baroness Joan Bakewell. Radio: Moira Stuart. Science and environment: Sir Martin Holdgate. Sport: Mick Channon. Stage and Screen: Sir David Jason.