More than 80 young people from across the borough gathered to receive the prestigious awards presented at the Civic Centre last Thursday.

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

In addition, eleven adults who have demonstrated an outstanding ability to motivate young people were celebrated with Leader Awards.

Kingsbury High School was also presented with a special plaque for their efforts in running the Jack Petchey Achievement Award scheme.

The plaque is reserved for organisations which run the scheme in an exceptional manner and only 40 of the 2,000 groups supported by the charity have been recognised with it.

Cllr Parvez Ahmed, the Mayor of Brent, presented the awards at the event, and said: “As the Mayor of Brent, it was a real privilege celebrating the varied achievements of our young people.

“They are an asset to our borough, with successful futures ensured.

“Thank you to the Jack Petchey Foundation for continuously rewarding and celebrating the accomplishments of the youth!”

Among the winners was 16-year-old La-Shay Green, who attends Kingsbury High School and was commended for her excellent work and natural talent demonstrated through the ‘Slambassadors’ spoken word project.

Farhal Bashir aged 14, who attends Claremont School, in Kenton, was celebrated after helping to set up the school newspaper, The Feather, and even opted to spend his £250 to print off the first edition.

Tyrell Mills-Rhule, aged 17, attends Track Academy, in Willesden, was also recognised after showing great potential as a young athlete.

Sir Jack Petchey founded the charity which bears his name back in 1999 to recognise the positive contributions young people make to society and to support them in achieving their potential.

Since then it has provided support to a wide range of 2,000 initiatives supporting young people across London and Essex and has reached a milestone investing £100m.

Youth organisations and schools in Brent have so far received £628,000 from the foundation since funding started in 2008.

Sir Jack Petchey CBE 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.”