A "brave and courageous" girl with a rare neurological condition, a devoted animal lover with a passion for conservation, and a 12-year-old aid volunteer turned County Press columnist, were among the inspirational winners at the Isle of Wight's Child of Wight Awards 2023.

Friday (September 8) saw Tapnell Farm Park play host to the event, for the second consecutive year.

Amelia Sinfield Burns, who at the age of three was diagnosed with a very rare, life limiting neurological condition, was crowned the ceremony's overall winner. 

In 2021, she raised £5,000 for children's charity When You Wish Upon a Star.

Her dad said: "It's a privilege and honour to be her Daddy, I am so proud of everything she has achieved and the young lady she has become."

Asa Singleton Most Courageous Child award went to Bentley Jarvis-Hadgraft, who was flown to ICU in Southampton after suffering with Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS), caused by Covid.

Against all odds he pulled through and returned to school.

Isle of Wight County Press:
Animal-lover Sidney Smith was given the Young Conservationist Award

He teaches people not to kill insects and spiders and even built a bug hotel on the school playing field at Wootton Primary.

The Young Carer Award went to 12-year-old, Lily Kingsland.

For the past four years she has helped to look after her brother, Hartley Brett, who needs 24-hour support.

Charlotte White, who attends St Catherine's School in Ventnor, was named Fundraiser of the Year.

Over the past three years she has raised thousands of pounds and completed an annual charity event in aid of the Island branch of the Cats Protection League.

Poppy Catania and Joey Coker took home ​the Best Friend Award.

Joey, 7, has had more than 17 operations, including include brain, bladder, and kidney surgery.

Cousin Poppy is his best friend and the two of them are inseparable.

Best Performer went to Lily Valvona, who, at 15, has competed in music festivals, performed in shows and is also a leader at Theatretrain.

​Ollie Edwards, Lexie Turner and Riley Edwards were given the Best Sibling award.

The trio went above and beyond to support, love and play with sister Chelsea - who had four limb cerebral palsy and was registered blind.

Chelsea sadly passed away on July 11, 2023.

This year's Young Achiever Award went to Masie-Rae Haynes, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three.

She has been having flying lessons since she was 15 years old and earlier this year got to fly solo for the first time.

Keen cricketer Macy Toogood was awarded Sporting Star.

She has helped to coach other young people in the sport and plays in the IW County Girls squad.

Matthew Couch, 12, who has been helping East Cowes-based charity MAD-Aid since last year, and has also travelled into Europe to assist with aid work, won the Make a Difference Award.

He was recently accepted as an #iwill ambassador and wrote a column in the County Press.

Read more: Isle of Wight MAD-Aid's Moldova trip inspires Matthew

Speaking after the awards, John Irvine, chief executive of head sponsor WightFibre, said: "The awards speak for themselves.

"You hear wonderful stories about wonderful young people.

"It's something to celebrate, which we should do more often.”

Claire John, Isle of Wight Radio Managing Director, said: "The Child of Wight Awards allow us to shine a bright light on an inspirational group of children and young people, recognising their outstanding personal achievements, bravery and courage.

"A huge thank you to all of our sponsors for your generous support.

"Yet again the awards highlight what incredible children we have here on the Island."

The awards were hosted by the Breakfast Show's Paul Topping and Heather McCallum.