A teenager has been honoured for the way she supported her late best friend through a brain tumour while herself dealing with "traumatic" bullying.

Stephanie Coutsides, from Tonge, was recognised in the Good Friend and Young Carer category of the annual Spirit of Try Angle Awards.

The 14-year-old collected her prize at the ceremony at the Ashford International Hotel, where she paid tribute to her pal in a reading.

Stephanie was targeted by bullies in an incident which was filmed and shared on social media.

But when her best friend was diagnosed with a brain tumour shortly afterwards, the youngster left her own problems behind and spent every spare minute of her friend’s final months with her.

She visited her as often as she could, meaning they could have as much quality time together as possible, while also juggling her school work.

But last July the pals, who had known each other since being at primary school together, said their final farewell.

Stephanie was presented with an award and certificate by Kent County Council’s cabinet member for children, young people and education, Cllr Roger Gough.

The awards, now in their 24th year, aim to raise the profile of people between the ages of 11 and 18 who try their best with sometimes little or no recognition.

They also recognise those who up to 25-years-old who have additional needs.

The eight categories celebrate personal achievement in arts, music, sport or indoor activity by showing sportsmanship, fair play and commitment, as well as people who work with charities, youth forums, on environmental projects or as school councillors.

Other gongs go to those who are good friends, work on personal development, show bravery through illness and pupils who step in to stop harm, bullying, discrimination or damage.

The awards were set up in 1994 and are run by Kent County Council’s Early Help and Preventative Services.

The department offers specialist support to children, young people and families through children’s centres, youth hubs, early help units, youth justice units and pupil referral units.