More than 100 young people from across east London and Essex were honoured at an awards ceremony celebrating their contributions to the community.

The Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards staged the presentation evening at Kenneth More Theatre in Ilford on Wednesday.

In total, 103 youngsters between the ages of 11 and 25 received recognition at the ceremony, where they were handed a medallion and £250 each to spend on equipment for their schools or youth organisations.

Winners included Christopher Collins, aged 15, who is a member of Epping Forest Youth Council and took a lead role as the proposer for the youth debate that was streamed live to schools.

The youth council described the teenager as: “incredibly articulate and is able to put his point across at meetings and events. He is a good listener and excellent public speaker”.

Youth organisations and schools in Epping Forest have received funding of £1,079,004 from the Jack Petchey Foundation since funding started.

Paralympic gold medallist Danny Crates, who attended the evening, said: “It was another fantastic evening, celebrating the achievements of young people across the London and Essex.

“I have attended several Jack Petchey events and I’m always amazed at how highly motivated the young people are.

“Whoever said aspirations amongst young people are dead, is highly mistaken as the citations read out were truly inspiring. A big well done to all.”

Founded by Sir Jack Petchey in 1999, the foundation recognised the positive contributions young people make to society.

It has supported more than 2,000 initiatives across London and Essex, investing more than £118 million.