Winners: Georgina Thompson, Jak Church, Ebony Whitehead, Cameron Lee, Phoebe Watling

Each of the finalists for this year’s Child of the Year award has shown such courage and strength that the judges decided every single one deserved the award, and there was an emotional moment on Thursday night when the five youngsters and their families made their way to stage to collect the award.

Georgina, 10, has spent a huge amount of time in hospital, but remains a strong, focused and optimistic young lady.

Jak, also 10, saved his dad’s life, went through painful burns treatment and now raises money the hospital treated him.

He is now recovering well from his devastating burns, and as they received the award his dad John paid tribute to his son's inspirational spirit. "It was Jak's words to me in the boat fire that made me determined to get out. He's my hero."

Phoebe, aged five, has fought bravely against leukaemia and her mum Gemma Spratt said: "She's coped so well. She just gets on with things, and she's amazed our whole family. She puts us adults to shame."

Cameron, 11, has autism and has faced bullying and adversity, but is described as a lovely lad with a lovely heart. He was nominated by staff at special needs play centre SNAPPY, and the centre's Anne Stamp said: "Before he came to us he was a very scared little boy. He's moved on leaps and bounds. His confidence has soared."

And Ebony, aged 12, refuses to let her disabilities stop her enjoying life, and speaks up for disabled people in school and further afield.

Receiving the award, she said: "It's really amazing to win this. I was surprised to be nominated."