ALMOST 100 students received Jack Petchey Foundation achievement awards at a ceremony at the Backstage Centre, in Purfleet.

A total of 94 students from 14 secondary schools in Thurrock were honoured at the event after being nominated by their peers and leaders.

The winners were awarded for achievements including volunteer work and helping within their schools and the community.

Each winner received a certificate and medal, as well as a £200 grant to go towards activities at their school.

Six adults also received Leader Awards after demonstrating an ability to motivate young people.

Among the winners was Ayesha Imran, 14, from The Gateway Learning Community.

She volunteers with Thurrock Trust, is a student mentor, anti-bullying advocate and part of the student leadership team.

Foundation co-ordinator Lorraine Fugl said: “Ayesha’s peers describe her as a hard worker who supports her college, helps other people and is caring, polite and funny.”

Another winner was Annusha Erfan, 14, from Harris Academy, in Chafford Hundred.

She is completely deaf and struggled to manage with her hearing aids. She communicated with her peers using notes and did lots of reading.

Annusha had cochlea implants this year and while they were turned on, used talkback software to access her lessons.

Co-ordinator Lisa-Jane Devonald said: “Annusha is now able to hear fully and is enjoying being able to involve herself fully in lessons.”

VIPs attending the event included deputy mayor Sue Gray. She said: “I am so proud to have met all these wonderful young people.

Today is not an easy world to live in, but I am confident they all have a bright future ahead of them.”

Other winners included Ellie Robinson, 14, from William Edwards School, Grays; Sean Morris, 17, Palmer’s College, Grays; Tiffany Jeffery, 17, Stanford and Corringham Sixth Form Centre, and Erin Raif, 15, St Clere’s School, Stanford-le- Hope.