Grinning Alistair Penman (14) accepted his award with shock etched on his face and said "I'm not worthy".

The youngster, of Wimbotsham, walked away with the night's top award among a group of brave, hardworking and selfless stars at a ceremony at Lynn's Town Hall, where the nominees were reminded "you are all winners".

See also: Super Kids especially chosen for their strengths

Downham High School pupil Alistair has autism-related Aspergers Syndrome, asthma and a rare dysfunction in his larynx.

Despite all that he supports his mum, Lynnette, who has multiple sclerosis, and was there for his dad, William, as he battled cancer last year, while continuing to work hard at school.

Having been announced Super Kid 2007, Alistair said: "I wasn't expecting it. When I heard all the things all these other kids had done I couldn't believe they would pick me."

Alistair walked away with £300 for himself and a £200 charity donation, which he handed to Islington runner Maria Futter (29). Family friend Miss Futter, of High Road, is taking part in the London Marathon in memory of cystic fibrosis sufferer Nicola Cowen, the sister of a former Super Kid Lisa Cowen.

It was the 20th year of Super Kids, previously titled the Junior Citizen of the Year Awards and sponsors Premier Foods, West Norfolk Council, Norfolk Police and the Lynn News all had a presence at the ceremony on Tuesday night.

West Norfolk Mayor Kathy Mellish said: "This is probably the hardest event of mine for the whole year. You appreciate how humbling it is when these young people are so determined and care so much and it's completely selfless. They are doing it for other people's benefit, not for their own.

"We have got a wonderful bunch in here."

Lynn News editor Malcolm Powell added: "It has once again been an incredibly-inspiring evening. Everybody who has been nominated is a winner in their own right."

Winners

• Talented sailor Fergus Barnham (15) was named winner of the award for sporting dedication.

The King Edward VII School pupil could not be at the ceremony as he is away training with the sailing national youth squad.

His teacher Mr Ken Banks collected the award on his behalf and read out a short message from the schoolboy.

Fergus, of North Wootton, told how he had felt happy and privileged to even be nominated. He donated his charity contribution to the RNLI, saying as a sailor he appreciated the dangers they face to save lives.

Among his sporting achievements, Fergus was selected for the 2006/07 Great Britain sailing team and ranked 12th in the squad and third in his age group. He also competed in the world championships and came 14th in his age group.