THEY are a group of brave young people who have shown grit and determination where others may have faltered.

On Friday, the winners of the annual Ward and Partners Children Awards gathered at Hollingbourne's Ramada Hotel, where they were honoured in a special ceremony for their courage and remarkable achievements.

The children, many of whom have battled to overcome disability, were presented with awards in three age categories - 5-8, 9-12, and 13-16 - for triumph over adversity, or for special achievement in sport, music, visual and performing arts.

Young carers who have sacrificed much of their childhood years in looking after others were also presented with awards.

Sky news presenter Charlotte Hawkins gave the audience a synopsis of each category winner's story of triumph before inviting them to the stage.

Praising the award winners collectively, she said: "Your determination to get on with life should be an example to the rest of us. I’m so pleased that you are getting the recognition that you deserve."

Award winner Dennis Dann said the awards were a welcome but all too rare show of support for those struggling to cope with disability.

Mr Dann, who along with wife Jane and sons Travis and Ryan, won the Courageous Family Award, said: "It shows there are people out there who care; you don’t see too much care that often.

"I don’t think people really understand what we have to cope with."

The Kent Messenger was thanked for its support of the award scheme, which is now in its fifth year.