Fifty eight students from Brentwood secondary schools were presented with prestigious Jack Petchey Achievement Awards for 2010 this week.

The event at Shenfield High School, on Monday, July 11, honoured students aged 11 to 25 who received medallions to go with their framed certificate and a cheque for �200 for their schools which has already been presented.

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

Prize money has mainly been spent on extra resources and equipment.

Seven adults also received Leader awards for their outstanding ability to motivate young people.

Winners included Sam Bailey, aged 12, from Sawyers Hall College who won his award for being a hard working, highly motivated student and role model recognised through his positive attitude and commitment to a range of sports activities and his work in the College Council. His grant award went towards equipment for PE, art and the library.

Sophia Nussey, aged 14, from Anglo European School won her award for helping with Dance 21, a dance group for disabled children. Her grant paid for digital cameras for the art department.

VIPs attending included Cllr Joan Holmes, Mayor of Brentwood, who said: “I was elected Mayor six weeks ago and I find evenings like this one to be the most inspiring.” He said the young award winners were “a credit to their parents and teachers”.

Entertainment was provided by Brentwood County High School Swing band; the combined choir of Brentwood Schools and students from St Martins School and Shenfield High School.

The awards scheme, established in 1999 by Jack Petchey OBE and CBE to help develop the potential in young people, provides funding of �12,600 each year to schools in Brentwood and to date �706,000 has been awarded to youth organisations since funding started.