SEVENTY nine students from Basildon schools have received Jack Petchey Foundation Awards.

The pupils were presented with their medals at a ceremony held at the Towngate Theatre.

Students were nominated by their peers and teachers and were presented the awards for a variety of achievements.

In addition to their medallions they receivedaframed certificate and a cheque for £200.

Winners included Imogen Harris, 15, from Mayflower High School, who represented her school in the Essex Young Chef Competition and the Rotary Young Chef Competition.

She has also undertaken a course at Westminster College onaSaturday morning.

Emma Smith, 16, from the Basildon Upper Academies was also presented with an award.

Despite difficult circumstances at home, the year 11 took on an additional subject and completed work in her own time and during after school catch up lessons.

Emma has special educational needs and achieved the highest grade in her year group in her graphics course.

She has chosen to study graphics at college and has a conditional place at Southend College for a BTEC level3in Graphic Design.

Connor Songhurst, from Beauchamps High School received his award for his volunteer work.

The 12-year-old has worked on his school’s web portal, takes part in after-school activities and raised more than £100 for Comic Relief with a sponsored silence.

The awards are named after Jack Petchey, who wasborn in to a poor working class family in 1925. Despite leaving school aged 13 with no qualifications he set upanumber of businesses to become a multi-millionaire.

The awards recognise youngsters who have done their bit to give back to society.