A group of young people have received prestigious Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards.

The awards were presented to eleven to 25 year olds from across Braintree at the awards ceremony at Braintree Arts Centre.

All 66 recipients were nominated by their piers and leaders and received medallions to go with their framed certificates and a cheque for £250 each.

Chairman of Braintree Council, Angela Kilmartin, said: “It’s been a real joy to focus on these young people’s achievements.

“So many are doing nice and great things in our communities. We need to read more about young people like this.”

Braintree has received funding of £419,168 from the Jack Petchey Foundation, since funding started in 2007.

To celebrate the foundations 21st birthday, the organisations gave out golden tickets worth £50 to an Achievement Award winner at every event throughout 2020.

Braintree’s golden ticket winner was Evie Plumridge, who attends Honywood Community Science School.

She said: “It’s great to be a part of such an incredible organisation and to be seen for my achievements.

“I’m also proud of the other learners from my school and in the Braintree district for all of the amazing things they have done.”

Other winners include Evie Higgon, aged 14, who also attends Honywood School.

She received her award for winning Gold at the World Karate Championship in Slovakia.

She is also the current English Champion for her age in the sport.

15-year-old Amy Joyce, who attends Notley High School also received an award for competing in Yong Gi Do Martial Arts against different countries at the World Championships at the London Copper Box Arena.

Amy also competed at the Scottish Open Championships with a fractured wrist and still won a silver medal in Sparing.

Maximus Felton, 15 who attends The Ramsey College received his award as he is one of 20 students nationally to take the Send my Friend to School campaign to parliament.

He put questions to the International Development Committee and met with MPs to put the campaign to local MP, James Cleverly to secure the required £75 million in funding.

Tabor Academy student Sarah Jane-Chinnery, aged 15, won her award for being a Brownie leader and helping to run her local Brownie Group.

She is also a member of St John’s Ambulance, developing her first aid skills and helping the public at events.

The final winner is Emily Utley, 14, who attends New Rickstones Academy.

Emily received her award for being considerate and caring and volunteering at the ‘Participation Group’ who assist people who have been through challenging and upsetting times in their life.

Three adults were also celebrated with Leader Awards, who have demonstrated, in an outstanding way, and ability to motivate young people.