HRH The Duchess of Cambridge was the special guest at an event recognising individuals for their work with mental health in schools.

The Duchess is the Royal Patron of the children's mental health charity Place2Be and was on hand at a ceremony in central London to congratulate the winners on Tuesday November 22.

Amongst those receiving Place2Be charity awards were Angela Shepherd and Sue Sterling from Viking Primary School in Ealing and Nicola Harmer from Mitchell Brook Primary in Brent.

There were nine award categories and the winners were picked from around 100 entries.

The awards recognise an individuals commitment to promoting positive mental health within the school community.

Angela Shepherd won the ‘Place2Be Hero Award'

School-based counsellor, Angela Shepherd won the "Place2Be Hero Award", for her ability to be on hand for children to talk to about any issues they may face.

Sue Styring who works alongside Angela won the "Volunteer Counsellor Award", for her outstanding commitment, having volunteered for the charity for 12 years.

And Nicola Harmer, deputy head teacher at Mitchell Brook Primary School, won the "School Hero Award" after creating "Nurture Groups" which encourage empathy and self-awareness and offer social and emotional education to vulnerable children.

During a speech at the ceremony, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, said: "I have been privileged over recent years to visit a number of schools and to meet the teachers, volunteers, and parents who make Place2Be's work a reality.

"Together, you ensure your students know they have somewhere to turn, someone who will listen, or simply a safe place to escape."

Sue was nominated because of her outstanding commitment

And Place2Be President, Dame Benny Refson, DBE offered her congratulations: "I’d like to congratulate Angela, Sue and Nicola.

"In a world where we hear so many stories of stigma and fear, it is important to celebrate the brave and inspirational champions, who do so much to ensure than no one in their communities is ever afraid to ask for help when they need it.”

"We want to end the stigma surrounding mental health"

During the ceremony, The Duchess mentioned the Heads Together campaign, set up by herself, HRH The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

"Even the luckiest people can face great challenges" she said.

"No matter how invincible we seem on the surface, all of us need help from time to time.

"This is why William, Harry and I have set up the Heads Together campaign.

"We want to end the stigma surrounding mental health that stops people getting the help that and support that they so desperately need."

Keep up to date with the latest news in west London via the free getwestlondon app.

You can even set it to receive push notifications for all the breaking news in your area.

Available to download from the App Store or Google Play for Android now!