A Tonbridge woman with links to Swanley has been named volunteer of the year at a Sevenoaks awards ceremony.

Alice Fenner, 22 was named “Young Volunteer of the Year” at the community and voluntary awards “Making It Happen”.

Miss Fenner has worked hard to raise awareness of mental health issues at local schools and writes a blog called Alice down the rabbit hole, as well as contributing other features for young people with mental health problems.

Speaking to News Shopper Miss Fenner said: “I really wasn’t expecting to be nominated - it is really fantastic.

“I started writing my own benefit.

“It is something that got things off my mind.

“If I don’t want to read it again i don’t have to.

“People started asking questions and sharing it and it all blew up.”

The name for her blog was inspired in part by a bakery business she set up - remembering the “eat me cakes” in the book.

“I thought it worked well allegorically and I continued with that.”

On her writing to the mental health charity West Kent Mind Miss Fenner said: “More to the point of me starting this blog, I am an anxiety, depression and panic sufferer.

“I have been for as long as I can remember.

“Through all of my experience, I have learnt just how important it is to talk about mental health.

“There is still such a stigma around mental health, and I can honestly appreciate why that is.

“The only way that we are going to beat it, is through education.

“That is why I’m here.

“I aim to educate and share my story with the world.”

The awards took place at Sevenoaks School on June 15 with some 200 people present for a special evening that recognised individuals and groups who go out of their way to improve the lives of Sevenoaks residents.

With more than 50 entries into the awards, the shortlist was whittled down to just 10 winners.

Alice was presented with her award by entrepreneur and best-selling author Graham Webb.