Inspirational young people from across Newham were recognised at the Jack Petchey Foundation’s achievement awards ceremony.

Newham Recorder: Award winners from NewVIc. Picture: Jack Petchey FoundationAward winners from NewVIc. Picture: Jack Petchey Foundation (Image: Jack Petchey Foundation)

Yesterday's event (Monday, September 23) was the first of two to be held at Kingsford Community School this week and saw pupils from 11 schools and colleges collect their medallions.

Each winner had previously been given a certificate and a £250 grant to be spent on something of their choice that benefits the school in some way.

Newham Recorder: Award winners from NewVIc. Picture: Jack Petchey FoundationAward winners from NewVIc. Picture: Jack Petchey Foundation (Image: Jack Petchey Foundation)

The medallions were presented by members of Newham's police force and the Recorder's chief reporter Sophie Morton.

Acting Sgt Rob Sewell said: "It was a real pleasure to be part of a remarkable evening celebrating the positive things our young people of Newham are doing.

Newham Recorder: Award winners from Little Ilford School. Picture: Jack Petchey FoundationAward winners from Little Ilford School. Picture: Jack Petchey Foundation (Image: Jack Petchey Foundation)

"There is a lot of negative media about our young people but tonight shows what amazing citizens we have in our communities."

Guests were also treated to music and dance performances from some of Kingsford's pupils.

Newham Recorder: Award winners from Kingsford Community School. Picture: Jack Petchey FoundationAward winners from Kingsford Community School. Picture: Jack Petchey Foundation (Image: Jack Petchey Foundation)

The second ceremony is set to take place tonight (Tuesday, September 24).