Inspirational young Havering people took a bow at last night’s Jack Petchey schools achievement awards.

Ninety nine students from 10 schools, one college and a swimming club received their Petchey medals at The Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch.

Mayor of Havering Cllr Brian Eagling was pictured with the students and leaders after they were presented with their awards by Insp Claire McCarthy and Recorder editor Chris Carter.

Cllr Eagling told the students: “Your journey to achieve may not end this evening – it’s only just begun.”

The schools taking part in the first of two presentation evenings were: Dycorts, Hall Mead, Marshalls Park, The Albany, The Campion, Bower Park, Royal Liberty, The Chafford, Sacred Heart and Redden Court. Students from Havering College and Romford Swimming Club also received awards.

Entertainment was provided by students from Redden Court and The Campion schools.

The second presentation will take place tonight at Queen’s.

See Friday’s Recorder for pictures of all the winners and reports of the two award nights.