A GROUP of incredible young people from across the district have been congratulated for their achievements.

In total 78 youngsters were given Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards at the Braintree Arts Centre on January 17.

The event honours winners between the ages of 11 and 25 who each received a medallion, framed certificate and a cheque for £250.

Youngsters were nominated by their peers and leaders, winning awards for a variety of achievements, both big and small.

Bradley Tomlinson, 14, attends Alec Hunter Humanities College and received an award for his charity work.

Taking inspiration from his granddad, Bradley became a standard bearer for the Royal British Legion and has given up his own time to sell poppies, fundraise and flies the charity's flag at ceremonies.

Luke Haggar, 16, attends Notley High School and was nominated for sailing a yacht during the first leg of a journey around Britain.

He was selected to join the eight person team of youngsters to sail from Ipswich to Edinburgh at the start of the summer.

Cameron Isaac, 13, is a hardworking young man who was commended for his ten-pin bowling ability.

The Tabor Academy student plays for Essex and recently won second place in the South of England Junior Open, he also volunteers his time within the school as a librarian.

Frankie Ricci, chairman of Braintree Council, said at the awards ceremony: "“We often hear lots of negative comments about young people.

"This event highlights the vast majority celebrating success and personal achievement.

"We have tonight seen so many varied ways in which young people in Braintree are achieving great things from young carers to outstanding sports people.

"We need to make sure more groups get involved in the Achievement Award Scheme so I urge you to apply if you are not already doing so."

Since Sir Jack Petchey started his Foundation in 1999, it has invested more than £100million into initiatives for young people.

Visit: www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk.