WINNER: Tom Sutton

Runners-up: Cian Stancliffe, Luke Farley, Nioni Grant

THERE were four remarkable young people shortlisted for the Spirit of Youth award, and each one has faced the world with courage and grit.

The judges were wowed by Cian Stancliffe’s spirit and sense of humour, and his determination not to let his ME make him miss out on life, while Nioni Grant has battled leukaemia and faced gruelling treatment with a great deal of courage.

Showing an inspirational spirit in a completely different way, Luke Farley made himself a champion for children who have grown up in care.

But it was Tom Sutton, who took the award because the judges said: “He just appears to do everything.”

He is tirelessly involved in his community, and the panel was particularly impressed with the way he has helped his friend Corey Eastwood, who was born with cerebral palsy, and completed a mini-triathlon by his side to help raise money for a life-changing operation.

Receiving the award, Tom said: "It's worth it because Corey deserves help and support.

"It's an honour to be recognised in this way, and the appreciation that has been shown is really nice."