NEWS presenter Charlotte Hawkins is used to keeping cool in the most difficult situations.

But she admits the challenge of hosting an awards ceremony for some of the bravest children in Kent could mean emotions overwhelm her professional demeanour.

The Sky News anchor woman will again front the Ward and Partners Childrens Awards this year and said it was an honour to be involved again.

She said: "It was a pretty incredible experience last year. It was really moving and one of the hardest awards ceremonies I have ever done.

"It is not very often that I am struggling to hold back tears while reading from a script, and looking out at the audience just compounds it because you can see how deeply everyone is affected by their stories."

There are still a few weeks left to nominate young people for the awards, which has provided cash and gifts for the winners for the last four years.

This year there are two new categories recognising the hard work of people who work to help improve their lives.

The Courageous Family Award honours families who have overcome or are coping with severe disability or illness in the family.

And the Outstanding Children’s Charitable Organisation award is for groups who help young people overcome their challenges.

Other categories are for children who have overcome adversity or enjoyed sport, music or visual and performing arts despite their disability.

There is also an Exceptional Carer Award for youngsters up to 16 who selflessly support others in need of constant help.

Charlotte said: "These children have gone through things that most of us can only imagine and I was struck by the fact that they remain cheerful and are so brave about it all.

"I am really pleased to be involved again and congratulate Ward and Partners who do so much to help these families who have to stay so strong all the time.

"It is lovely for them to have a special time to recognise how special they and their children are. They all deserve to be winners and I am glad I am not one of the judges who has to decide."

Ward and Partners’ managing director David Lench said: "Our Children’s Awards have become a big event in the Ward and Partners’ calendar, where we invite all senior managers to honour our very special guests by hosting an award lunch entirely dedicated to praising these special children, their carers and families.

"We never cease to be amazed at the truly moving stories of each of our award winners and how they cope with everyday life and overcome their adversities.

"The award day is an emotionally charged event and anyone attending can’t fail to be moved by our special winners. It is a privilege to meet our winners and celebrate their achievements."

In recent years Ward and Partners, which has 47 offices across Kent and East Sussex, has pumped more than £700,000 into a charitable trust to help children in need.

* The Kent Messenger supports the awards by helping to find worthy entries. Download a nomination form here >>>