Dozens of inspirational youngsters have been recognised for their outstanding achievement during a special awards evening.

More than 60 people aged between 11 and 25 came together for the annual Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards, held at Braintree Arts Centre.

The event saw winners, who had all been nominated by their peers and leaders, handed a medal, framed certificate and a cheque for £250.

Among those honoured were Notley High School student Alfie Blayney whose quick thinking and call for help proved crucial in saving his friend suffering from a epileptic seizure.

The heroic 12-year-old decided to spend his prize money on new equipment for his school.

Other winners of the achievement award were Alec Hunter Academy student, Kayleigh Tomlison, 14, and Freya Wash, 13, of Honywood Community Science School.

Councillor Peter Tattersley, who represents the three fields, handed out the awards to the winners.

He said: "I feel very proud and privileged to be here presenting these wonderful young people with their awards. I am always amazed at these events to see the wealth of talents of our young people.

"It is wonderful to have so many inspiring and talented young people in Braintree."

Braintree Council chairman Vanessa Santomauro added: “The Jack Petchey awards are such a wonderful way of showing the great and upcoming good in our communities and rewarding the hard work of these young people.

"I was so proud to hear of all the extraordinary things that these individuals have been doing and achieving across our district and I doubt anyone could come away from such an evening feeling anything other than motivated and inspired."

The awards form part of the Jack Petchey Foundation which was set up in 1999 to recognise the positive contributions young people make to society and to support them in achieving their potential.

Since then it has provided support to a wide range of 2,000 initiatives supporting young people across London and Essex and has invested over £118million.

Sir Jack Petchey CBE, 93, said: "I am passionate about our awards scheme which enables young people to be recognised, valued and rewarded for their achievements and positive contributions to society."