There was not a dry eye in the room as Kent's awe-inspiring youngsters humbled the audience at the Ward & Partners Children's Awards.

Presented by Good Morning Britain's Charlotte Hawkins, the circus-themed awards took place the Mercure Hotel.

Entertainment featured mischievous magician Marli, a Punch and Judy show and face painting.

Here are the winners:

Triumph Over Adversity - children aged up to five

"I can only describe feeling numb. We simply sat and watched our son for hour upon hour." Those are the heart-wrenching words of a Larkfield mum and dad after they switched off their baby's life support machine.

Finley Jones was just days old when he was diagnosed with Group B Meningitis. His stricken family prepared for the worse but against all the odds he survived.

Now 23-months this happy little hero is improving everyday and continues to amaze his proud parents and medics alike.

Triumph Over Adversity - for six to 11 year-olds

Charlie Crampton from Thanet was diagnosed with a brain tumour aged just six. But despite undergoing 20 blood transfusions, operations and chemo this little superstar carries on doing his very best to keep up with his mates. Charlie is now undergoing more tests and his bravery continues to inspire and touch all who meet him.

Beautiful Beth Atkinson wearing a black skirt with gold stars looked every part the princess. Nobody could take the huge smile off her face when she and her family took to the stage to collect her award. Beth was diagnosed with Leukaemia last year and despite undergoing gruelling treatment she was back at school within three months. Her proud family say she was never down and despite terrible pains in her legs continued her with schoolwork from her hospital bed.

Triumph Over Adversity - ages 12 to 16

Korben Bronger from Gillingham is like any other teen - obsessed with football. But the 13-year-old who was born with cerebral palsy, left-sided hemiplegia, hydrocephalus and autism has over come many more hurdles to play the sport he loves.

An avid Gills fan, this brave boy nearly died at birth and has had so many procedures his parents have lost count but their pride and awe of their son is unparalleled. Korben will be playing football and leaning new sports for as long as possible.

An intelligent, happy teenager, Sam Joyce, was diagnosed with kidney cancer aged just two. Since then he has been diagnosed with a condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. It means the 13-year-old cannot feel pain or sense hot or cold temperatures. Suffering from the effects of treatment for kidney cancer has left him using splints and a wheelchair but despite his ongoing battles and continuous treatment, this book-loving super intelligent star passed his grammar test and now attends Norton Knatchbull school in Ashford where he lives.

Going For Gold

Rhys Bonnell is the The Michael Phelps of the transplant world. In 2009 he suffered acute heart failure and underwent a transplant at Great Ormond Street. This life-changing ordeal made this sporting genius even more determined . Last year he was picked for the World Transplant Games and competed in six swimming events. The 13-year-old was the youngest of the team and won six gold records and two individual world records.

Myles Miller is a 15-year-old superstar nominated by his football coach. Myles was born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy a life-limiting disease which means he is confined to a wheelchair. The Liverpool- supporter loves computer games and socialising but his real passion is powerchair football and he is really rather good. This boy will clearly have England in his sights as his Sevenoaks team are playing at the highest standard in the country. He was also awarded South East league player of the season.

Young Fundraiser

When his three-year-old sister, Ava, collapsed as a result of diabetes her big brother Jayden-Tyler Beckwith did what came naturally and beyond. This amazing six-year-old from Maidstone has raised thousands for diabetes charities. He organised a picnic at Mote Park with a raffle, sweepstake and face painter and also ran a mile which raised a fantastic £900. Jayden-Tyler also set up a support group called the Mid Kent Type 1 Support Group which is helping families with advice.

The second winner has turned his story from heart-wrenching to heart-warming. Harrison Cummins has raised a staggering £13,000 from a cake bake for Ashford Pilgrims Hospice. Harrison’s mum received the devastating news she had terminal brain cancer and the youngster wanted to raise cash in her memory and to help others. Harrison’s Super Cake Bake was born out of the most tragic circumstances but the seven-year-old would have made his mum incredibly proud.

Exceptional Young Carer

Ella Burpin is not just the apple of her father's eye she is his lifeline. The 12-year-old who loves to dance and looked every inch the musical theatre star when she collected her award for exceptional young carer. When 41-year-old Spencer became seriously ill his daughter stepped up without complaint, saving his life on one occasion. Typically she plays down the drama as she loves caring for him but, brimming with pride, her father knows the day is all about her.

Charity of the Year

Find A Voice in Ashford works with children who suffer with severe speech and communication difficulties. It works in a sympathetic and patient way improving the lives of many in a profound way. Staff visit specialist schools with an array of toys and gadgets to help the cognitive and communicative development of children. It offers a library-style system so schools can try before they buy which helps them to save money.

Deal Allstars are a more than just a football club they are a community. Their support and work with adults and children with disabilities is truly inspiring. Headed up by Steven Chapman, 40, the team is a vital place for people, including carers, to make friends, socialise and to build confidence - most importantly it is a happy, warm and inclusive environment. The team meet on social events too and Mr Chapman credits the group in instilling a positive attitude in all who attend.

Most Courageous Family

Tracey Yeatman and her family have been through more then most people deal with in their lifetime. A mum of five, her husband tragically died of cancer while she was pregnant with her fifth child, Llana.

Still, the family from Herne Bay, pulled together and Tracey worked early mornings in a supermarket, before the school run, to save up for a special holiday but then even more tragedy struck as nine-year-old daughter Sian was diagnosed with cancer. The family were knocked sideways but an awe-struck mum at the school marvelled at how they carried on in such heartbreaking times. Tracey would take thee children to school clutching their projects which instilled a sense of normality to their routine. They were honoured for their bravery.