Dozens of youngsters from organisations across east London came together to be recognised for contributions to their communities.

Some 96 young people from Waltham Forest, Redbridge and Newham received prestigious Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards at a ceremony in Ilford yesterday (Tuesday, March 7).

The event honoured award winners aged 11 to 25, who were nominated by their peers and leaders, for positive contributions to clubs, organisations and their wider communities.

Evan Reader, aged 14, a member of the Waltham Forest Woodcraft Folk, was awarded for his work helping club leaders to run sessions for younger children.

Sir Jack Petchey 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.”

Sir Jack founded the Jack Petchey Foundation 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 2,000 initiatives supporting young people across London and Essex, investing more than £100 million.

The foundation has provided more than £3.5 million in funding for organisations in Waltham Forest.