Teenager Jo Balk was stunned to be named overall winner of Pride in Medway.

More than 70 people were nominated for the awards, the eighth time they have been held.

Moving stories of devoted care, community service and personal courage were told during the presentation night at the University of Kent's Pilkington Building.

And as the ceremony reached its climax, it was 18-year-old police worker Jo who took the main award.

The judges were impressed by her seven years with Medway Youth Parliament, which started when she was 11 and finished with a year as chairman.

Her citation praised the mature way she has represented the views of young people at all levels.

After receiving her trophy from the university's pro vice chancellor Prof Clare Mackie, Jo said: "I am so shocked, amazed.

"After hearing what everyone has done here tonight, I can't believe that I have won."

Jo, from Lordswood, is a former student of St John Fisher School, Chatham and Chatham Grammar School for Boys.

She joined Kent Police communications department in July last year and her ambition is to become a police officer.

BBC South East presenter Geoff Clark was master of ceremonies. He ended the night by praising "another group of truly inspirational members of this wonderful Medway community."

Pride in Medway is sponsored by the Medway Messenger, University of Kent, mhs homes and Medway Council.

You can read this year's nominations on our Pride in Medway special report.