COURAGEOUS and hard-working youngsters from across the Dover district have been honoured at an awards ceremony.

Pupils from Walmer Science College joined young people aged 10 to 18 to be celebrated for their achievements at the annual Try Angle awards held in Margate.

Winners, families and carers were treated to entertainment from Blackfish Academy, Kent Concert Orchestra and talented Deal drummer Kieran Gaffney, 12, who appeared on Britain's Got Talent earlier this year.

The awards recognise those who have overcome personal struggles in their lives and made an important contribution to the community. Started by a Kent County Council youth worker in 1994 the ceremony marked its 15th anniversary this year. More than 2,000 awards, which recognise youngsters in categories from bravery to art and sport, have been presented since the scheme was launched and this year saw 12 individuals and all the year 11 pupils of the science college honoured.

The bravery award was given to Astor College for the Arts pupil Layla Cheeseman who has joined in school activities and sports despite suffering from spina bifida.

The 13-year-old did not tell teachers or pals about her condition until she had some difficulties walking home.

Deal teenager Daniel Richardson scooped the art award. The Castle Community College pupil, 14, arrived at the school almost four years ago unable to read or write or use a computer. He has astounded teachers by persevering and now creates complex 3D images on the computer for his design course.

Teacher Helen Rose nominated Daniel, saying: "I have never been so proud of an individual pupil in my entire career."

The music achievement went to Jack Perry Cockings, 18, from Dover, for his work in teaching nine to 14-year-olds. The talented saxophonist runs music workshops every Saturday morning.

Some 100 Year 11 pupils at Walmer Science College were recognised with the citizenship and environment accolade for their work at fundraising events for the school.

Deal footballer Matthew Spain, 12, received the sport award. The Castle Community College pupil has battled a debilitating bone disease to play for the All Stars team.

Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia (MED) is a rare, inherited, condition caused by a malformation of the bones. It results in painful joints and fatigue and reduced height in adults.

Young carer award went to Karina McHugh, 15, of Dover, who has cared for her mum after she was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year. She also looked after her dad who was left immobile for several months following an operation.

Tom Glanville, 15, from Dover and George Slaughter, 16, of Deal, jointly received the service to the community honour for coaching youngsters in the St Margaret's All Stars football team every Sunday.

Seain Way, 15, from Hythe received the personal development award. The St Edmund's School pupil was recognised for his mentoring role.

Special awards were also given to Dominic Maffia, from St Edmund's, for his dedication during a production of Pirate of Penzance, Kieran Gaffney for contribution to the arts and Jack Quinn and Oliver White for their friendship.Jack, 11, has a disability which means he needs help doing everyday things like eating, getting from one place to another and communicating. He is in mainstream education at Sandwich Technology School and he wants to play a full part in school life.

Oliver White, 12, helps his new friend every day. Oliver is there to spend time playing games at break or lunch and making up new challenges the pair can do together. They often just chat about school and what they are up to but this time is so precious to Jack that he describes his friend as a hero.

The ceremony saw Matthew Spain announced as overall winner for Dover district with Daniel Richardson named as runner up.

Mike Hill, communities portfolio holder for Kent County Council, said: "Each year, the Try Angle Awards bring together young people with incredible stories to tell and the countywide ceremonies are a real highlight in the calendar.

"It is vital that we recognise and pay tribute to the youngsters in Kent who work so hard, sometimes in the face of adversity."