Pictures by kind permission of The Sun

Princes William and Harry were the guests of honour at The Millies last night, 15 December 2009, as the excellence of the UK's Armed Forces was recognised once again.

The Millies, officially titled The Sun Military Awards, are now in their second year and record the bravery and professionalism of Service and civilian personnel, as well as members of the public who provide unstinting support to the military in various ways.

Nominations for the awards are made by members of the public, and those shortlisted in the ten categories are judged by a panel of former military chiefs and celebrities.

The ceremony was attended by senior military, government and political figures, and stars from the worlds of entertainment and sport. It will be shown on ITV1 in a special programme presented by Phillip Schofield and Amanda Holden.

As well as the presentation of awards the programme includes footage of shortlisted individuals and teams on operations and dramatic reconstructions of acts of heroism.

In addition to the main categories, this year there were two judges’ awards for special recognition. One award was presented to the Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group, for their continual professionalism on operations in exceptionally difficult conditions.

The judges also paid tribute to the courage of all family members who have been bereaved this year, by recognising the Afghan Heroes charity. Also known as “The Band of Mothers”, the charity was set up by the mothers of eight Servicemen who died in Afghanistan this summer during Operation Panther’s Claw.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, Chief of the Defence Staff, said: "This year has been another year of extraordinary achievement by our Servicemen and Servicewomen. Whatever the task and whatever the challenge, they do their duty: and they do it for us - the people of this great nation.

"The Sun Military Awards enable the nation to say thank you to our brave men and women and to their families for their dedication, courage and sacrifice. It means a huge amount to them to know that the nation is behind them."

It will be shown on ITV1 on Monday 21 December at 9pm.

2009 Winners

Overcoming Adversity
Marine Ben McBean, 40 Commando Royal Marines, Plymouth, Devon

Most Outstanding Sailor or Marine
Able Seaman Medical Assistant Kate Nesbitt MC, attached to 1st Battalion The Rifles, Plymouth, Devon

Most Outstanding Soldier
Corporal Mark Powis MC, 1st Battalion The Rifles, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset

Most Outstanding Airman
Flight Lieutenant John Walmsley, RAF Odiham, from Edinburgh

Best Reservist
Able Seaman Edmund Grandison, HMS Forward, Royal Naval Reserve, from Tyseley, Birmingham

Support to the Armed Forces
The town of Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire

Life Saver Award
Corporal Carl Thomas, 2nd Battalion The Rifles, Liverpool

True Grit Home
Acting Chief Petty Officer David Rigg, Royal Naval Air Service, Culdrose, Cornwall

True Grit Overseas
Sergeant Andrew McNulty, 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment,
Catterick, North Yorkshire

Best Unit
The 2nd Battalion, The Rifles, Ballykinler, Northern Ireland

Judges' Award for Special Recognition
Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group
Afghan Heroes