Ward Children's Awards 2016 in Kent

From courageous children, young fundraisers attempting to swim the English Channel and a drama club supporting those with communication difficulties, the winners of last year’s Children’s Awards were an inspiring and varied bunch.

The aim of the event is to find special people and organisations deserving county-wide recognition, and last year’s presentation event was no different.

In 2015 there was recognition for young carer Jake Kinnear, who supports his mum and family around the house with housework, jobs and helping to get his brother up and ready for school.

There was also praise for youngster Tanisha Jones, who created sport-related sign language for her trampoline coaches to support her love of the sport, which she was unable to take part in because she could not wear her hearing aid while participating.

Teenager Camille Anderson from Canterbury received the young fundraisers award, having raised thousands of pounds for Kent Young Carers – her efforts involved two attempts to swim the English Channel.

The Square Pegs Drama Club, established in Maidstone, topped the outstanding charity category, for its work with young people up to the age of 25 who experience communication difficulties.