IT WAS six of the best for the county’s dedicated young people and their advisers as they swept the board in a regional contest backed by Prince Charles.

They picked up six top awards in The Prince’s Trust Celebrate Success awards held at Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium.

Sarah Ryan, 18, from the Gravesham area, was not only named Vodafone UK Foundation Young Achiever of the Year, but wowed the 400-strong audience with an electric performance of the Roberta Flack hit Killing Me Softly With His Song, accompanied by Andy Cherry, from Gravesend, on guitar.

Sarah has overcome many personal difficulties to transform her life and hopes to become a professional singer. Shaun Udal, England Test cricketer and Hampshire County Cricket Club captain, presented Sarah’s award. She said: "I was surprised to win but very pleased."

Amy Fuller, 19, from the Medway Towns, scooped the Learning and Skills Council skills development award. After a difficult start to her life, she is planning to go to university and become a social worker. "I was well shocked," she said. "I’ve never won anything before."

Vanessa Alcock, a single mum from Sheerness, clinched the NatWest Enterprise Award for her start-up business S’VIVE Coffee Room. She recently launched a wedding catering service.

There were awards too for Ron Dunham, the Trust’s area director who retires next year after 13 years (Prince’s Trust South East Regional Council Staff Award), and Helen Love, from Maidstone (SEEDA Volunteer of the Year).

Creating Futures, a company that gives young people a chance to shine, and with offices in Dartford, Ashford and Chatham, won the Original 106FM Partnership Innovation Award.

Mr Dunham said he was delighted with the clean sweep for Kent and Medway. It was a tribute to the hard work of the young people, volunteers, mentors and Trust supporters.

"The young people winning the prizes have really achieved over the years and they deserve every credit," he said.

The Prince of Wales, who was visiting Pakistan, congratulated all the winners and finalists by video. Winner will have a chance to meet him at the national final held next year.