by Martin Jefferies

Too often, Thanet’s youngsters are given a bad press.

But they made the news for all the right reasons at last night’s Try Angle Awards, which celebrate the efforts and achievements of young people in the area.

Margate teenager Daniel Uttridge took the overall award, transforming a poorly-behaved past by setting other youngsters on the right path.

Here’s our guide to who won what during a remarkable night at Margate’s Winter Gardens.

Citizenship and Environment: Daniel Uttridge

Daniel has turned from a troublesome teenager into a remarkable young man who now mentors two younger students at Hartsdown Technology College, Margate.

The 16-year-old from Margate, described by his teacher Jo Mercer as “a really pleasant, reliable and diligent boy”, was brought up by his father and has a younger brother and sister.

Music: Victoria Matthews and Laura Carman

Victoria and Laura, students at The Charles Dickens School, Broadstairs, learned to play the clarinet and flute with their tutor Paul Shand.

They are active members of the concert band, jazz band, rock and roll band, clarinet ensemble and choir and are working at distinction level in their studies.

Their teacher Stuart Horsburgh describes them as “reliable, supportive and enthusiastic”.

Sport: Billy-Ray Palmer

Dedicated and commited swimmer Billy-Ray wakes up at 5am every morning to train for two hours before school and also visits the pool every evening.

The 12-year-old from Broadstairs is a member of Thanet Swim Club and regularly takes part in championships, many of which are held outside Kent.

He specialises in the 800 and 1,500 metre competitions and is one of the best all-round young swimmers in Kent.

Personal Development: Samuel Martin

Samuel recently led other memebrs of the Ramsgate Sea Cadets when the unit was threatened with closure.

Despite the uncertainty, Samuel helped recruit new members and taught them basic sea cadet skills.

Since becoming the division’s youngest leading cadet, the 15-year-old from Ramsgate has developed his personal leadership skills, musical ability and confidence as drill commander.

Young Carer: Allysha Crow

Little Allysha from Broadstairs helps care for her mother who has had Crohn’s disease for more than five years.

The 12-year-old helps her mum take her medication and also looks after eight-year-old sister by cooking meals for the family. When Allysha’s father is at work, she is the primary carer.

Bravery: Jack Sears-Stewart

Remarkable Ramsgate teenager Jack has two rare conditions, one of which prevents urine from being transported through the human body and requires a double kidney transplant.

His illnesses meant Jack lost his hair and his finger and toe nails. He underwent thousands of blood tests and scans, leaving him frustrated.

But teachers at St George’s Foundation School in Broadstairs say 15-year-old Jack has some of the best attitudes towards his education they have ever seen.

Service to the Community: Dane Court Grammar School

Worthy teenagers at the Broadstairs school, including Alexandra Howland, Kani Kundu, Ruth Neve, Sophie Hayter, Lauren Ford, Sarah Bashford, were nominated for dozens of reasons.

They have held charity events for families in Mozambique, mentored younger students, ran clubs for other pupils, helped raise numeracy and literacy standards and coached junior sports clubs.

Art: Electro Fusion Radio Station

Seven youngsters at King Ethelbert School, Birchington, spent months working on the Electro Fusion project, demonstrating exceptional creativity, commitment, enthusiasm and willingness.

The group came up with their own name and logo, recorded their first radio show, arranged a launch event, created their own website and produced a newsletter to promote their show.

Teachers say their work is of a professional standard.