YOUNGSTERS were honoured for outstanding dedication to the community as they received the coveted Jack Petchey award for supporting others.

Lucy Watson, 14, from Bromfords School, Wickford, was nominated because she decided in her half term holiday she would raise money for Cancer Research and Alzheimer’s Research.

She helped design and make a series of Christmas cards and also sold art work and helped organise a cake sale in Great Wakering. Lucy raised £270 towards the two causes.

The winners also included Oliver Markham, 17, from Mayflower High School, Billericay and Holly Walker, 16, from the Billericay School.

Oliver volunteers at a football club catering for young people with disabilities. He has demonstrated dedication and commitment to helping others, giving of his time and guiding them to success.

Holly works at Basildonbased St Luke’s Hospice, running stalls at their fairs to raise money The trio were among 77 students from 11 Basildon senior schools who received Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement awards at Basildon’s Towngate Theatre.

Founder, Jack Petchey, 90, said “I am passionate about our awards scheme which enables young people to be recognised, valued and rewarded for their achievements and positive contributions to society.”