In a milestone event 125 “best of the best” students from Newham secondary schools received JPF Awards for 2010 at a ceremony at the Old Town Hall Stratford.

The event celebrated 10 years of giving by the Jack Petchey Foundation to Newham youth with a record �4.2 million handed out since funding began... the most given to any other London borough or Essex district.

Proud

The event honours Achievement award winners aged 11-25. They received medallions to go with their framed certificate and a cheque for �200 for their schools. They were nominated by their peers and leaders, winning awards for a variety of achievements but mostly for doing their best. Prize money has been spent on extra resources and equipment.

Nine adults were also celebrated, having demonstrated an outstanding ability to motivate young people.

The Leader award winners receive a medallion and a framed certificate.

VIPs included Chief Supt Simon Letchford, Newham Borough Commander, who helped present awards.

He said: “I am always inspired by the young people of Newham. As a police officer I often experience young people when they find themselves on the wrong side of the law.

“These events remind me that the majority of young people in Newham are hard working, inspirational and are our future. We should be proud of them.”

Entertainment was provided by students from some of the schools.

The awards scheme provides funding of �33,000 each year to schools in Newham.

The foundation was established in 1999 by Jack Petchey who became a a CBE in June. It aims to help develop the potential in young people aged 11-25 in London and Essex.

More than 2,000 schools, clubs and youth organisations throughout London and Essex are now on the awards scheme.

Celebrating 10 years of giving, founder Jack Petchey, 85, said: “I am very proud of our awards scheme because it sums up exactly what the foundation is doing, making a difference to young people whatever their circumstances.”

Grants of more than �65 million have been awarded to a wide range of schools, clubs and youth organisations.

n JPF can now be followed on Facebook www.facebook.com/JackPetcheyFoundation and Twitter visit@JackPetchey