Kenton schoolboy and Wembley football coach among Pride of Brent award winners

Trevor Hutton founded AFC Wembley (Image: Archant)

A schoolboy who scooped eight A* grades in his GCSE results and a football coach are some of the winners at the first ever Pride of Brent awards.

The special event held by organisation Action In The Community (AITC) in conjunction with Brent Council, took place at Brent Town Hall last week.

The aim of the night was to recognise and celebrate the achievements of black children aged 12-18 from Brent, in a variety of areas including best GCSE grades, creative arts, most improved and community contribution.

Ekow Plange, 17, a student at St. Gregory’s Catholic Science College in Donnington Road, Kenton, won the highest GCSE category on the night.

The teenager, who lives in Kenton, won the award after he achieved eight A*s one A and B in his exams taken last year.

Another winner on the night was Trevor Hutton who scooped the Jean Campbell award for outstanding community contribution.

The 51-year-old former teacher, who now runs a sports project called The Goal Development Programme, received his award for his commitment and hard work with AFC Wembley a football club he established six years ago.

Mr Hutton, who lives in Wembley said: “It goes to show what you can do when the community gets together.

“This award isn’t mine it’s for all of us who work together. What ever I have done I haven’t done it on my own as I have a good team of coaches, volunteers, parents and kids.

“This is a community effort and shows what we can do when we get together.”

The ceremony was attended by nominees and their families, local authority representatives, teachers and was also open to the public.

Cllr Mary Arnold, Brent Council’s lead member for children and families, attended the ceremony.

She said: “I congratulate Action in the Community for organising this event in partnership with Brent.

“We are committed to improving outcomes for young black people and recognising their achievement through community awards is a significant step forward.

“Congratulations to the young people who gained awards for their exceptional talents and wide ranging achievements which are contributing positively to our communities and to Brent’s reputation.”

David Mullings, AITC founder, said: “The evening was a great success and competition was fierce.

“AITC have marked start of a yearly celebration in recognition of young black children and their achievements.

“We acknowledge and really do thank Brent School improvement services for their support with this event; we aim to be back bigger and better next year.”