A TEENAGER who 'died' three times following an horrific crash was "thrilled to bits" when he was publicly honoured for his bravery and courage.

Martin Ventham, 16, and his brothers Jamie and Adam from Margate were named overall Thanet winners of the 10th annual Try Angle children of achievement awards at the town's Winter Gardens.

The trio, who also got a special award, received the biggest cheer of an emotional night when special guest EastEnders actress Lucy Speed, who plays Natalie in the popular soap, announced their success to a packed hall.

Martin was riding his bike last year when he was hit by a high powered car and left seriously injured in the road. His brothers who were with him used resuscitation and first aid techniques and called the emergency services.

Their ability to cope under traumatic circumstances and how they have supported each other through a long and painful period of recovery impressed the award judges.

Proudly clutching his award, Martin - who was told he may never talk, walk or follow his passion of dancing even again - has this simple and positive message: "Never give up. You have to believe that you can do what is needed and find the strength inside yourself."

And he added: "I want you to tell everybody who rides a bike to always, always wear a safety helmet. My head would have been crushed and I would be dead. It saved my life."

A large contingent of family and friends were at the venue to cheers the boys on.

Mum Debbie said: "I have three brilliant sons. At one stage last year Martin died three times in the space of a day and I thought he was lost.

“His courage is astounding, the support of his brothers is incredible - we can never thank enough those who gave him the love, superb medical care and backing to get him on his feet again."

Other supporters included paramedics, representatives from the Queen Mother Hospital children's Rainbow ward who helped nurture him back to health, and dance teachers from his beloved Encore Enterprises.

Their reward came when Martin danced in a revue at Disneyland Paris with the friends who had encouraged him back to the boards.

That performance, which left family, friends and medical staff astounded and in tears, was just seven months after the accident that nearly wrecked his life - and it fulfilled the vow he made with the first words he uttered to his family as he regained consciousness: "I will dance again."