Stephanie Bayford won the superhero award for the under 18s and was also chosen as this year's Hero of Hillingdon for setting up a group called Little Specials for children with special needs or life-shortening illnesses. She funds everything through her wages as an apprenticeship at a special needs school.

The 17-year-old was in tears as she collected her awards, clearly not expecting them.

"I'm very emotional," she said as she came off stage.

"I didn't really expect it. I'm absolutely shocked. I can't even describe the feeling.

"It just means so much to me, I've worked so hard."

Stephanie was inspired to set up the group after watching the 2013 Children in Need (CiN) and DIY SOS, a programme where a team of builders and decorators adapt and upgrade the homes of families who are struggling to look after a family member, often someone with a disability.

She spoke to parents at special needs school Moorcroft, in Bramble Close, Hillingdon.

"They said 'there's nothing for us to do, there's no where for us to go'.

"So I decided that's it, I'm going to do something.

"I got on the internet and planned what I wanted to do. The next day I had my storyboard of ideas."

Stephanie works 9am-3.30pm at Meadow High School in Royal Lane Hillingdon but her work is not over when the school bell rings.

"Once I get home I answer emails which can go on for hours. It takes so much planning," she said.

Superhero of Hillingdon Stephanie Bayford, 17, with with 6 year old Alitcia Tottem at the Little Specials social group she runs at Oak Farm Library

At the moment she is working on installing a sensory den at the library for which she will need to do some fundraising.

"I want to organise an event that the children can be involved in as well, and the parents," she said.

Her ultimate dream is to keep growing and open up similar groups at locations across the borough.

"I just want to help as many people as I can," she said.

"It's not just the children who need support it's their parents and siblings too. They need the support too, it's so important."

Following the ceremony she tweeted: @Steph_Bayford: The most amazing night of my life, feeling so overwhelmed and grateful for everything! Thank you @UxbridgeGazette

Her sister Lauren replied: @Steph_Bayford: I'm the proudest sister alive right now!you have changed so many childrens lives over these last 6months I love you!

Full list of winners.