TEENAGERS who have dedicated their time to improving the lives of their peers, success in sport and volunteering have been awarded.

Students from 15 schools and colleges were given prestigious Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards at the annual ceremony held at Waltham Forest Assembly Hall.

The event honoured winners aged 11-25 who were all given £200.

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

Youth organisations in Waltham Forest have received £3.4 million from the Jack Petchey Foundation since funding started in 2000.

Winners included Savannah Wilson, age 16, from Willowfield Humanaties College.

The a Student Leader is actively involved in the Hackney Empire Youth Forum and is working with younger teens to put on a fashion show in east London.

China Ramsey from Frederick Bremer School was also a winner.

The 15-year-old self-published author spent the grant on taking 36 students to Velo park and aquatics centre in the Olympics Park.

Ritzwan Hussain, age 15, from Norlington Boys School bought cricket whites for his team mates.

He is a member of the successful District Cricket championship winning team

Mayor of Waltham Forest Cllr Saima Mahmud said: "During the last few months as Mayor I have had the privilege of meeting hundreds of young people from local schools and after school clubs and I have been blown away by the sense of responsibility and civic pride shown by them.

This borough is enriched with incredibly compassionate champions that work tirelessly in schools and in the voluntary sector to make sure that young people are supported and empowered to do great things.”

Borough Commander for Waltham Forest, Detective Superintendent Jackie Sebire said she was proud of the teenagers.

Entertainment was provided by students from Holy Family Catholic School and Highams Park School.

The Jack Petchey Foundation was established in 1999 to recognise the positive contributions young people make to society and to support them in achieving their potential.

Founder, Jack Petchey CBE, aged 90, said: “I am passionate about our awards scheme which enables young people to be recognised, valued and rewarded for their achievements and positive contributions to society.” 

For more information visit www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk. Follow JPF on Facebook www.facebook.com/JackPetcheyFoundation and Twitter @JPFoundation