MORE than 100 youngsters were honoured at the Kent Young People's Respect Awards on Monday.

Among the winners were teenagers who combat racism and bullying in their school, others who devote their spare time to running a youth club and community centre and a performing arts group who used their talents to hammer home a powerful message about the tragedy of domestic violence.

The county champion was a 16-year-old who has won the respect of the police and youth workers for building bridges between young people and the community.

Kent's Chief Constable, Mike Fuller, said he never failed to be impressed by the sense of responsibility and commitment shown by young people who work to make their communities be better places.

"Your work influences people's perceptions and changes attitudes," he said. "It makes friends and it wins hearts. It acts as a deterrent to wrongdoers.

"The more you spread your message of community spirit and friendship through your actions, the more that is heard and acted upon by others."

The awards, launched by the Kent Messenger Group and Kent Police three years ago, were presented at the Kent Police Training College.

Geraldine Allinson, chairman of the Kent Messenger Group, said: "I know Kent has lots of young people to be proud of because I read of their achievements in my newspapers on on my websites all the time. Yet we adults are so quick to criticise and innocent youngsters get the blame for something they haven't done.

"I am delighted we have these awards so we can turn the spotlight on your many positive achievements."

The awards were open to young people aged between 10 and 20. They are backed by the Home Office and supported by Kent Police Authority and Charlton Athletic Football Club's Community Scheme.

The High Sheriff of Kent, Nigel Wheeler, presented a special award for leadership. Kent Crimestoppers and the Kent and Medway Social Landlords' Group also added their support with awards this year.

Winners and commendations2007 KENT CHAMPION: Michael Miller, of Hartley Youth Group.

HIGH SHERIFF'S LEADERSHIP AWARDWinner: Michael Miller, Hartley Youth Club.

Highly Commended: Tammy Utteridge of Woodlands Youth Centre, Gillingham.

Commended: Adam Aldridge, Greenacre School, Chatham. Sam Harding and Kyle Davies of Woodlands Youth Centre, Gillingham.

KENT POLICE AUTHORITY SCHOOL AWARDWinners: Emily-ann Bolderston, Shannon Eastoe, Daniel Read from Cheyne Middle School, Jefferson Road, Sheerness.

Highly Commended: The Performing Arts Group, Towers School Sixth Form College, Ashford.

Commended: Year 11 Peer Mentor Team, New Brompton College, Gillingham.

KENT AND MEDWAY SOCIAL LANDLORDS' GROUP AWARDWinners: Christopher Powell, Bradley Powell, Laura Amer, of Bysingwood Youth Club, Faversham

Highly Commended: Jack Devine of the Shepway Youth Forum.

Commended: James and Bethany McCrossman, Louisa and Abbie Fisher and Samantha Garlinge, of Court Meadows Estate, Littlebourne.

KENT CRIMESTOPPERS' AWARD Winner: Valley Park Community School, Maidstone

Highly Commended: Woodlands Youth Centre Clean Up Squad, Gillingham.

Commended: Minstarz, Minster, Thanet.

CHARLTON ATHLETIC COMMUNITY SCHEME AWARD Winner: Billy Boswell, Grove Road, Maidstone.