Uplifting tales of achievement by Thanet’s young people were humbling for many in the audience at the 14th Try Angle Awards.

Youngsters were cheered on by family, friends and teachers as hundreds packed Margate’s Winter Gardens for the Thanet and Dover district ceremony.

BBC broadcaster Jo Burn, the evening’s presenter, paid tribute to the young carers, artists, volunteers and sports stars.

She said: “We have young people who have battled difficult personal lives but come through smiling and we have those whose only thoughts are for others.”

Selfless dedication to her family was recognised when young carer Michaella Robinson was judged the overall winner.

Ursuline College student Michaella, 14, of Kingsgate, is carer, cook and cleaner when her mum needs her help to look after her seriously ill dad.

She has given up a social life to use all her spare time to help prop up her family.

Her dad who cannot walk, has breathing problems.

Michaella is regaining her confidence at a new school after suffering bullying from her peers, as a result of her circumstances when she was younger.

The Thanet Young Carers’ Group member said: “It was a big surprise to win the award, I could not believe it.”

Teenager Lillian Edwards is shining through despite profound setbacks and is committed to giving something back.

Lillian, 16, from Margate, was the overall Try Angle runner-up. Her mum died when she was two and her dad when she was seven.

She has a rare, debilitating heart condition. Her early education was severely affected and at seven she could not write her own surname.

Lillian received love and support from her adoptive family and Holy Trinity and St John’s schools.

Her heart problems cause sporadic fainting with no warning and have been an extra challenge to her education.

Receiving the award came as a climax to her finishing 16 GCSEs.

She said: “It was a bit scary going up on stage but I am really happy.”

Lillian is going into the sixth form at St George’s School and hopes to go into nursing or play therapy.

She said: “Because I had difficulties, it would be nice to help others who might be struggling. I would like to make it easier for them.”

Award winners for Thanet were: overall winner, Michaella Robinson; runner-up, Lillian Edwards; Citizenship and Environment, 1st St Lawrence Explorer Unit and Save Our Planet (King Ethelbert School); Music, Dane Court School, student Catherine Westbrook (Broadstairs), Ian McCree.

Achievement in Sport or Outdoor Pursuits, Chris Charlesworth; Personal Development, Lillian Edwards; Service to the Community, Jordan Webster; Art, Grace Gummer and The King Ethelbert Drama Group.

Special Award for Outstanding Project, Marlowe Academy’s editorial team of Oi magazine; Good Friend or Young Carer, Rhianna Stretton and Michaella Robinson; Bravery in the Face of Trauma, Lora Cairns and Adam Wall.

See your Thanet Extra for report and more pictures, out now