A TOTAL of 123 young people from 20 secondary schools in Hillingdon received Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards at the Beck Theatre in Hayes on Tuesday.

The event honoured those aged 11-25, who received medallions to go with their framed certificate and a cheque for £200, already presented.

They were nominated by their peers and leaders, winning awards for a variety of achievements but mostly for doing their best.

Nine adults were also celebrated with Leader Awards. They received a medallion and a framed certificate.

The Jack Petchey Foundation has awarded £533,000 to youth organisations in Hillingdon since funding started in 2005.

Winners included Scott McCreeth, 14, of Bishop Ramsey School, Ruislip. Scott is an enthusiastic member of the Eco-council and Gardening Group.

He approaches every task with 'gusto' and doesn't mind getting his hands dirty to complete every task. He leads and organises the team with good humour and great team skills.

The award was spent on improving the area around the outdoor classroom with paving and plants.

Sophie Griffin, 17, of The Douay Martyrs School, Ickenham. Since Year 7, she has appeared in an array of school productions, including Bugsy Malone, Grease, Beauty and the Beast and Hairspray, in which she played the principal role of Penny.

Sophie has also proved a role model while working with younger students.

The award was spent on radio microphones and sound equipment for the drama and production department.

Isra Iqbal, 19, of Uxbridge College, has organised and been involved in fund-raising events for the past two years at Uxbridge College. She has a very positive, warm approach and always creative with ideas.

She recently pitched a bid for funding to set up a community crèche for people shopping, going to the gym or attending Saturday classes in Hillingdon. She has been awarded £2,000 to set up the new venture.

The award was spent on a celebration meal for her tutorial group at the end of the academic year.

Now celebrating its 15th year the Jack Petchey Foundation was established in 1999 to recognise the positive contributions young people make to society and to support them in achieving their potential.

Since then it has invested £90 million to a wide range of 2,000 youth initiatives across London and Essex.