A man with cerebral palsy who has dedicated his life to helping children overcome the challenges that face them has won a prestigious award.

Toby Hewson is one of the winners of the 2006 BT ChildLine Awards announced today in a glittering ceremony in London.

Mr Hewson, 25, from Walburton, near Arundel, will join celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry at the event at the BT Tower. He was nominated by Beth Moulam, 11, from Surrey, who also has the condition.

Mr Hewson, who uses electronic communication aids to speak, travels across the country through his work as trustee of the charities 1-Voice Communicating Together and Communication Matters.

He encourages people to see beyond his disability and demonstrates to those with similar disabilities and their families that they can lead full lives.

By seeing someone with a similar disability living independently, Mr Hewson has given Beth and her family the confidence to face the future.

Beth said: "Toby inspired me to use my communication aid more. He makes me feel important and good about myself.

"He shows me I can do anything I want. Toby is always happy and thinking of others.

"He inspires me to eventually live on my own and have a job."

Mr Hewson, who was born and brought up in Walburton and went to Treloar specialist college in Hampshire, is modest about his achievements.

He said: "I was surprised when Beth nominated me because I think I am normal and not anything special.

"Young disabled people like Beth should be encouraged to be ambitious about their future."

Oxford-based Communication Matters aims to provide alternative methods of communication for people who find it difficult to speak.

1-Voice is based in Halifax and promotes the use of electronic communicators for disabled people.

Mr Hewson has been involved with the charities for several years.

He said: "I wanted to inspire young people when I saw so many without communication aids.

"I didn't have a proper communication aid until I was 18 so this has made me determined others should be better equipped.

"It is important to catch children when they are young.

"I am very proud to have won this award and I hope it inspires children and their families."

Mr Hewson and three other winners were chosen from hundreds of nominations made by children across the UK.

ChildLine president Esther Rantzen said: "Children are the best judges of the adults who work to increase their happiness and protect them from pain.

"The awards winners are exceptional individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding dedication to children."

Jamie Oliver was given an award for his school dinners' campaign and the opportunities he has created for young people at his restaurant Fifteen.

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry was honoured for being an outstanding role model and speaking out against racism and bullying both on and off the football field.