Young people across the district have been recognised for their hard-work and determination to their communities.

A total of 72 people from schools and organisations across Braintree were given Jack Petchey awards during a ceremony at Braintree Arts Theatre.

Nominated by their peers and leaders, the awards celebrate achievements both big and small and winners receive a medallion, certificate and a £250 cheque for a cause of their choice.

Chairman of Braintree Council Stephen Kirby was a guest of honour at the awards ceremony.

In his speech, he said: "As chairman of Braintree Council I am extremely proud to see these young people take small steps towards a big step to achieving. I am so very proud but remember, a small step is a big step."

Amongst the winners was Alec Hunter student Ciara Chudasma, 14. Ciara is the spokesman of the Raising Awareness Against Prejudice group in the schools and is helping the schools towards becoming a Stonewall School in support of LGBTQ+ students.

She has decided to spent her £250 achievement award grant on a course raising awareness against prejudice.

Speaking at the ceremony, Peter Tattersley, councillor responsible for health and communities, said: "As a council we were always aware of the wide range of youth groups in the district.

"This event has enabled them to all come together to celebrate their young people. Hearing all their achievements has been heart-warming."

Last year Notley High School student Jack Jordan, 15, single-handedly organised and produced a fashion show at his school in aid of Farleigh Hospice's Yo-Yo counselling service.

Jack was given £50 by the hospice to organise the show, for which he recruited a team of volunteers, made the outfits and directed the show himself.

To raise additional cash for the charity, he collected raffle prizes and sold snacks during the interval - making just under £400 in total.

His £250 grant will be spent on equipment for the drama department at his school.

Sir Jack Petchey CBE, founder of the Jack Petchey Awards, 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.”

Matthew Dixon, 15, recently completed a 6km walk to raise money for a dementia charity as the Tabor Academy student's grandfather has the condition.

The avid fundraiser has been involved in many fundraisers in the past, raising cash for Red Nose Day, Essex Air Ambulance and Children in Need among others.

He again choose to spend the £250 grant on the drama department at his school.

Youth organisations and schools in Braintree have received funding of £267,501 from the Jack Petchey Foundation since funding started in 2007.