Talented performers and inspirational volunteers took centre stage at an evening celebrating the very best of Southampton.

Unity 101's 19th Anniversary Awards & Achievement night, held at Novotel Southampton on Friday, showcased the strengths the station has reached.

Plans for new-look studios were also revealed with thousands needed to fund them at the station's St Mary's Road site.

Among the winners recognised for their selfless dedication to the city's communities was Dr Sanjay Mall from charity The Big Difference, who picked up the Community Award presented to him by deputy chief constable Sam de Reya.

Top chef Shelina Permalloo picked up the lifetime achievement award, and joked her latest gong would now take pride of place over her 2012 MasterChef UK winner's trophy.

Speaking to the gathered crowd - including the Lord Mayor of Southampton Councillor Dave Shields and the High Sherriff of Hampshire, Jonathan Whitaker, talented Shelina said: "Winning MasterChef I could have had a restaurant in London, but I chose not to - I chose to bring it back to Southampton because I wanted to make our local economy better, our local people better and I wanted to make the food scene better.

"Me getting this award is really testament to the organisations, charities and leaders who are in this room today because without all of you working collectively - we can't be here, we can't make the city better.

"I'm raising my daughter in this city because I believe in this city and I'm really proud to be in Southampton."

Unity 101 is already gearing up for its 20th anniversary celebration next year - with a series of monthly events set to be held this year, starting in March.

See unity101.org for a full list of winners and volunteers recognised for their dedication, including Isaac Maddock, reporter at the Echo's sister title the Salisbury Journal.

Ram 'Kelly' Kalyan, Project and Station Manager at Unity 101, told the Echo: "It's a testament to all the volunteers - previous and current - to get us where we are today to celebrate our 19th year broadcasting 24/7.

"They're a pillar of the community and they're the strength of Unity 101."

He said the run-up to the 20th celebrations will offer something for everyone, with more details set to come.