There were cheers and tears as children of courage and charity workers were honoured at a dazzling awards ceremony.

The KM Group-supported Ward & Partners Children's Awards saw youngsters from across the county honoured for their bravery, selflessness and achievements.

Although there was a party atmosphere with face-painting, a magician, balloons and poppers, the audience fell silent listening to compere Charlotte Hawkins, of Sky News, relate stories of bravery and devotion.

Five-year-old Zoe Magness, from Wilmington, was one of the heroes of the night.

She has undergone 18 cycles of chemotherapy, spent three months on a ventilator and had a lung removed as part of her treatment for a rare form of cancer.

As winner of the Brave and Inspiring category for up to five-year-olds, she earned a cash award and certificate.

Charlotte Hawkins said: "Despite Zoe's ill health, her father said she has never complained and is a 'real treasure'.

"Zoe still lives life to the maximum. She has managed to start school and even completed a leg of the relay at sports day."

Also celebrated was Jarrad Purvis, 10, who was told he would never walk or run, but instead defied the odds to gain his 400m swimming certificate.

Jarrad, of Bell Shaw, Maidstone, was named winner of the Brave and Inspiring category for six- to 11-year-olds.

On a glittering afternoon at the Ramada Hotel, Maidstone, 15-year-old pupil Sam Ballantyne took the Lifesaver category.

Sam, of Chaucer School, Canterbury, helped roll his cousin into the recovery position when he was knocked out by his bike's handlebars while practising bike jumps.

Without Sam's quick thinking his cousin would have died.

At the ceremony, David Lench, managing director of Ward & Partners, said: "These problems we face each day, which we believe are earth-shattering, pale into insignificance when we hear about the ordeals of our winners and their families."

KM Group chairman Geraldine Allinson said after the ceremony: "The KM Group is delighted to support the awards.

"The event is truly emotional but it is marvellous to be able to recognise the children's amazing achievements."

The Ward and Partners Annual Children's Awards in full

• Jarrad Purvis - Brave and Inspiring category, six to 11-year-olds
• The Tyler family, of Southborough - Courageous Family category
• Sam Ballantyne, of Sellindge - Lifesaver category
• Billy Freemantle, of Gillingham - Exceptional Carer category
• Alec Martin, of Allhallows - Brave and Inspiring category for 12 to 16-year-olds
• Swale and Canterbury Carers Support - Outstanding Charity category
• Zoe Magness, of Wilmington - Brave and Inspiring category for 0-five-year-olds
• Abbie Hunnisett, of the Arrow Riding for the Disabled Centre in Dartford - Going For Gold.