EIGHTY-FIVE young people from across Thurrock came together to receive prestigious Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards.

The event honoured Achievement Award winners aged 11 to 25 who received medallions to go with their framed certificate and a cheque for £250 each.

They were nominated by their peers and leaders, winning awards for a variety of achievements big and small but always for doing their best.

In addition, seven adults were also celebrated with Leader Awards who have demonstrated, in an outstanding way, an ability to motivate young people. They received a medallion and a framed certificate.

Thurrock have received funding of £1,355,770 from the Jack Petchey Foundation since funding started in 2001.

Chief Inspector Claire Talbot said: “I have been truly inspired this evening by an amazing group of young people who are achieving so much.

“Their motivation and enthusiasm is overwhelming and they are a credit to their families, their schools and to Thurrock.

“It has been amazing to meet such fantastic young people.”

Mayor Barbara Rice said: “I would like to applaud the high level of achievement of the young people from Thurrock who once again have gone above and beyond.

“Sir Jack Petchey is indeed an example to us all, showing great tenacity in the face of adversity.”

Winners included Hannah Luke, aged 16, who attends St Clere’s School.

Hannah often volunteers her time as part of the Stanford-le-Hope and surrounding areas fundraising team. Since joining, she has helped to raise more than £32,000 for various causes.

This includes bag packing in supermarkets, quiz nights, discos and car washes.

She also helped to organise the annual appeal for Christmas presents and last year more than 8,000 presents were given out to people in hospitals, to refugees and to care homes.

In recognition of this incredible work, Hannah was nominated for the ‘Young Fundraiser of the Year’ in the Festival Leisure Park Community awards. She reached the final and finished in second place.

Hannah decided to spend her £250 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on new equipment for the school.