Keen children's campaigner Sophie Wessex was "bowled over" by the inspiring stories she heard while preparing to present the honours at the BT ChildLine Awards in London.
Chic as always in a powder-blue skirt suit, the smiling Countess paid tribute to the 2004 winners, who were chosen from the hundreds of nominations submitted by children across the UK for their commitment to trying to change children's lives.
The 39-year-old mother of one was said to have been overwhelmed by the people she met and the stories they told her of how they were trying to reach out and aid troubled children in their communities.
Best-selling children's author Jacqueline Wilson received a special honour from the Countess for her literary work and her ongoing service to children.
ChildLine is the UK's free, 24-hour help-line for children and young people. It has long been a favourite charity of the Countess of Wessex and earlier this year she was named the Patron for the organization's 18th birthday year.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
