More of the borough’s most inspiring youngsters were lauded at Havering’s second Jack Petchey awards evening on Tuesday night.

Along with their parents and teachers, 78 school children from Coopers’, Campion, Redden Court, Hall Mead, Frances Bardsley, The Albany, Sacred Heart, Corbets Tey, Abbs Cross and Bower Park Schools celebrated their achievements at the Queen’s Theatre in Billet Lane, Hornchurch.

The students, along with a number of adults who had earned prestigious Leader Awards, were presented their prize medallions by Mayor of Havering Councillor Linda Van den Hende, director of the borough’s Children’s Services Tim Aldridge and the Romford Recorder.

From talented sports people, to creative musicians and charity fundraisers, each winner received a special medallion and £250 for their school from the Jack Petchey Foundation.

In her opening speech, the mayor urged the assembled school children to use their award win as a springboard for even bigger and better things.

The audience were then treated to dance performances from Essex Dance Theatre, and musical interludes from young local talents Jasmine Larkey, Laura Simms, Isabelle Manley and Molly Hutchins.

Among the winners was 15-year-old Abbs Cross Academy pupil George Barnacle, who was nominated for his outstanding contribution to his school’s sporting activities.

George is the only student who represents the school in four different sports – football, athletics, cricket and swimming – as well as at borough level, and he used his £250 award grant to purchase new cricket equipment for the Abbs Cross team.

Another inspirational award winner on Tuesday night was Campion student Charlotte Archer-Gay.

Two years ago Charlotte, of Havering-atte-Bower, was dependent on dialysis treatment four nights a week, had severe diet restrictions, and could not take part in sports and other activities.

But then her dad Philip donated his kidney, and she was encouraged to take up sport as part of her rehabilitation.

As if that wasn’t enough, she then went on to represent Team GB in the World Transplant Games playing Badminton.

In July she travelled to Malaga to compete in the competition.

Amazingly, she went on to win two silver medals and a gold in the ladies’ doubles.

Charlotte will be using her £250 prize to buy new Badminton equipment for Campion.