A Havering Paralympic swimmer was awarded the borough’s top school sports star at a ceremony last week.

Amy Marren, 14, from Hall Mead School, was a finalist in the women’s S9 category 400m freestyle and 100m backstroke at this year’s Games. She finished fourth and fifth respectively.

Last week she was awarded �500 for her school sports department after winning The Liberty Shopping Centre’s Havering School Sports Representative of the Year title.

She was chosen out of 12 sporty youngsters from the borough, who were nominated by their teachers as being the top in their schools.

Amy said: “I am so surprised; I really didn’t expect to win as all of the nominees are incredible. I will continue to support and promote sport.”

Judges gave highly commended awards to Rachel Walters, 15, from Sacred Heart of Mary Girls’ School, and Seb Adams, 14, from the Royal Liberty School, who each received �250 for their schools.

Other finalists included: Felix Ngooi, 16, from Abbs Cross School; George Smith, 14, from The Albany School; Tayla Humm, 15, from Emerson Park Academy; Lucie Madden,14, from Frances Bardsley School.

Also in the shortlist were: Bradley Donovan, 15, from Marshalls Park School; Jack Ayling, 14, from Redden Court School; Chloe Brown, 14, from Chafford School; Georgie Taylor, 15, from Sanders Draper Academy; and Lauren Mitchell, 14, from Coopers Company and Coborn School.

The awards were handed out by Samuel Hulbert from Coopers Company and Coborn School, who two weeks ago came back from Serbia representing England in the Karate World Championships, becoming the world champion after winning gold in his category.

The Liberty Centre Manager, Jonathan Poole said: “The talent within the borough is outstanding; we are so proud of the youth within our community and pleased that we could host an event that celebrates their talent, dedication and hardwork.”

The event is part of the Liberty’s Reach for the Stars programme, which aims to bring young people together internationally to learn about each other.

The first event was The Big Dance Romford to Rio 2012 – 2016 project, where students from St Ursula’s School performed the Big Dance at The Liberty Shopping Centre in front of crowds of shoppers. The performance was watched by Pimpolhos School in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, who were also performing the dance at the same time via Skype.