Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, from those who defend strangers from terrorists, to people who rescue their wife from a pair of scary spiders.

Across south-east London and north Kent there were a number of heroes who deserve recognition at the end of the year.

Here are a selection of the heroes, big and small, from 2017 who deserve all the praise they can get.

1. Andy Beasley

READ MORE: Crayford hero who commanded the scene at London Bridge terror attack honoured with award

News Shopper: The heroes of 2017: Andy Beasley

Andy Beasley was one of the first medics on the scene during the London Bridge terror attack in June that led to the murder of eight people, and the injury of 48 others.

The 49-year-old medic from Crayford commanded the scene at Borough Market from his arrival at 10pm.

2. Bromley Batman

READ MORE: He's back! Couple 'mugged' on romantic night out in Croydon saved by 'Bromley Batman'

The ‘Bromley Batman’ returned to the south east of London to save a number of people from potential muggings this year.

From Croydon to Bexleyheath, there were multiple stories of this tall man in a black outfit playing their part as the capital’s real life superhero – whoever they may be.

3. Keith Palmer

READ MORE: 'True hero': Family, colleagues and Charlton fans mourn Addicks supporter and former Bromley PC Keith Palmer killed in terror attack

The 48-year-old father died after he confronted the terrorist Khalid Masood who crashed his car outside Parliament after mowing down pedestrians on Westminster Bridge in March this year.

PC Palmer, a big Charlton supporter, joined the Metropolitan Police in 2001 and was based in Bromley borough between 2002 and 2009.

4. Anonymous Bus Driver

READ MORE: Bus driver hailed as hero after 'stopping' van driver being chased by police through Sidcup

Police chased a runaway van through Sidcup as he reportedly crashed into a number of parked cars until the chase reached its dramatic conclusion on Blackfen Road.

Witnesses hailed the "hero" bus driver managed to stop the runaway car so police could catch them.

5. Hassan Zubier

News Shopper: The heroes of 2017: Hassan Zubier

READ MORE: Dartford man Hassan Zubier hailed a hero after helping victims of a terror attack in Finland

Hasan Zubier was hailed a hero after he was injured while helping victims of a terror attack in Finland last August.

Hassan Zubier, a Dartford-born paramedic now living in Sweden, received international praise for his bravery in coming to the aid of others after he was wounded in the knife rampage that left two Finnish women dead.

6. Paul Dyer

News Shopper: The heroes of 2017: Paul Dyer

READ MORE: A brave 'superhero' from Swanley took on TWO suspected false widow spiders after they attacked his wife in the shed

This Swanley hero took up arms against two suspected false widow spiders to rescue his wife after she was startled by the beasts.

Paul Dyer, 44, used “superhero reflexes” to trap the two spiders after his wife Donna found them in the couple's shed.

7. PC Charlie Guenigault

READ MORE: Family of Bexley police officer who was stabbed during the London Bridge attack speak out about his 'immense bravery'

The bravery of a Bexley police officer who was stabbed during the terrible events at London Bridge was commended for his courage.

PC Charlie Guenigault, from Bexley, was off duty when he was stabbed four times as he protected others.

8. Niall Lester and Steph Derry

News Shopper: The heroes of 2017: Niall Lester

READ MORE: This real-life Dr Dolittle wants to help more animals desperately in need - but he needs your help first

These two heroes started his animal sanctuary New Hope Animal Rescue 17 years ago, rescuing cats, dogs, pigs, chickens and turkeys.

The charity, started by Niall Lester and co-founder Steph Derry, 36, specialises in helping animals on death row and creatures with medical needs.