Children as young as three were honoured for their immense courage under adversity at the third Ward & Partner's annual Children's Awards.

The awards, dedicated to severely ill children and their carers, was hosted by the company's financial services director Mike Beer and took place at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Maidstone.

The categories, which are rewarded with thousands of pounds worth of prizes, include Triumph Over Adversity, Music, Visual or Performing Arts Award, Sports Award, and the Ellenor Shining Lights Good Carer Award.

This year, in addition to giving two individual prizes to young carers, the judges also gave a special award to Young Carers Support, an organisation which nominated 36 carers.

David Lench, managing director of Ward & Partners and presenter of the Triumph Over Adversity award, said: "Our annual Children's Awards are the highlight of our year's charitable work, as we give recognition and reward to some very special children who, in their short lives, have been through experiences most of us can hardly imagine. Gruelling medical tests, operations, pain, and fatigue, are a way of life for many of these children. This is always a humbling and harrowing occasion, but one which it is a privilege to attend."

The first winner was three-and-a-half-year old Eleanor Gabriel who suffers from a rare condition characterised by severe heart, nerve and muscle problems.

"Although she is constantly in pain, she is very determined, attends nursery and is always smiling," said David. "She is trying to walk but will only ever be able to do so with the aid of a frame.

"Last summer she underwent an operation on her feet just so she could wear her pink shoes. She is so full of life."

Oliver Mangion, who received an award was born with severe deformities in his arms and legs which required 17 major operations. He raised £300 for the tsunami appeal by swimming 1000 metres in only 38 minutes.

His greatest ambition is to swim in the 2012 Paralympics.

Also honoured was Kyle Hazelden, born with spina bifida. Doctors said he would never walk. He not only proved them wrong but is aiming to have a career in drama.

He attends the Deal Academy of Performing Arts and this year played the male lead in Sleeping Beauty at the Marlow Theatre, Canterbury.

Ward & Partners has a strong charitable commitment within the community. More than £400,000 has been contributed to the company's Charitable Trust Fund, managed by the Kent Community Foundation, whose objective is to help sick and needy children.

Among the main causes helped so far are the children's hospice Demelza House, Sittingbourne, where Ward & Partners contributed £215,000 for a specialist playroom.

To contact Ward & Partners, call 01795 534316.