Sir Ian McKellen hands out charity awards

Sir Ian, a patron of the Trust, was joined by retired NBA basketball player John Amaechi, who was one of the first top sports stars to come out as openly gay, to hand out prizes - known as Alberts - to volunteers, mentors, carers and staff on January 29.

The Trust supports young people, mostly aged between 16 and 25 who find themselves homeless or living in a hostile environment because of their sexuality.

Sir Ian stressed the need for the work to continue to even though he was pleased to see improvements in attitudes towards gay people in schools.

Sir Ian said: "Most kids have no problem with people having a different sexuality. They are so relaxed about it.

"They are the lucky ones however, for others it's still difficult and the worst thing is to be rejected by some of the first people you come out to - your family. That scar will be with you for life."

The audience heard testimonies from Jason and Dan, young people supported by AKT who suffered rejection after coming out to their families.

And basketball star Amaechi spoke about his experiences after coming out in 2007.

He said: "As someone who has been rejected by former players who were once good friends I can empathise to some extent with these brave young people.

"I'm delighted to be involved with the Trust, not least because of the moving stories of how young people are finding hope and getting their lives back on track in the face of such adversity."

Mentor of the year was Shirley Chiu; carer of the year was awarded to Simon Gould and Terrence Bennington; winner of the volunteer category was Matthew Miller, while staff member Adam Speller was commended for his versatility. AKT founder Cath Hall won a special award for lifetime service after 20 years with the Trust.

According to AKT chief executive Tim Sigsworth the work of the Trust is as vital as ever.

He said: "In many ways things are worse now as young people often come out at a younger age. Because homophobic prejudice is still so rife in society many face a harsh reality when, instead of support, they suffer hostility, abuse and bullying from family and peers.

"Last year 1,400 young people contacted AKT for help and we know that if you spend three months on the street, in all likelihood you will be on the street for life."

For more information on the Albert Kennedy Trust visit akt.org.uk