Katy Perry performs at BBC Radio 1's first teen awards

Katy Perry handed out the first teen hero award to 16-year-old Connor Rowntree

Radio 1 has held its first Teen Awards celebrating the achievements of young British people.

Katy Perry, JLS and Taylor Swift were all at the event in London to hand out awards to three 16 and 17-year-olds.

Perry gave the award for teen hero to Connor Rowntree from Sunderland, who's had nearly 100 operations after an accident that left him with bad burns.

Connor, who's 16, nearly died on six separate occasions but now fronts a campaign for fire safety.

Katy Perry told Newsbeat: "He's amazing. He's like walking motivation for me, I think for a lot of people.

"I love being part of these type of awards that have heart and talent."

See all the photos, videos and backstage action from the Teen Awards

'Real fighters'

The teen community hero award went to Alex Williams, 17, from Ashton-under-Lyne, who lost the use of his legs when he got meningitis at the age of seven.

Teen award winners Jack Bennett, Alex Williams and Connor Rowntree

As well as helping other disabled children, he's now a sports ambassador for his local area and a wheelchair basketball player who wants to take part in the Olympics.

Professor Green helped judge the Teen Awards and admits he was humbled to hand over the community hero trophy to Alex Williams.

He said: "They're the real fighters, they're the people that are showing the real strength.

"Everything he's been through and he's still making the effort. It makes you realise how lucky you are."

Jack Bennett, a 16-year-old from Maidenhead, was named teen entrepreneur after setting up a free-range chicken farm for his local community.

'Incredible stories'

Fearne Cotton, who hosted the event with fellow Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw, said: "All of the teens nominated in the teen awards have been outstanding, but Connor, Jack and Alex really impressed our judges with their incredible stories.

Taylor Swift performed at the event and 'felt inspired' by the winners

"It's been a smashing day and, judging from the noise at the Hammersmith Apollo, the audience have had a great time too."

With performances from The Wanted, Professor Green and former X Factor contestant Olly Murs, the evening also involved a number of celebrity winners, as voted for by Radio 1 listeners.

The Inbetweeners won best TV show while Twilight's Robert Pattinson picked up the award for best actor.

He accepted his prize in a recorded video message.

Biffy Clyro's Bubbles won best song and 16-year-old world champion diver Tom Daley was awarded teen sporting hero.

Taylor Swift performed at the awards and told Newsbeat she felt inspired by the teen winners.

She said: "I think that an event like this really encourages teens that they can change the world and they can make a difference.

"It's wonderful to see so many vibrant, passionate people here who just happen to be young."