MORE than 120 young people from across Waltham Forest have been honoured for a variety of achievements with grants for their schools and colleges.

The youngsters, aged between 12 and 25, each received medallions and a cheque for £200 in recognition of their efforts at the Jack Petchey Foundation annual awards held at Walthamstow Assembly Hall.

The charity gives £33,300 in funding to schools in Waltham Forest every year, totalling more than £3.2million since 2000.

Among the winners were 17-year-old Amy Best, a pupil at Highams Park School. 

She was nominated after rushing to aid of a man who collapsed with an aneurysm where she works part-time at Woodford Wells Cricket Club.

Amy was first on the scene to provide first aid but unfortunately the man later died.

She hopes to train as a paramedic when she finishes sixth form and the grant money has been spent on a first aid course for students at the school.

Another worthy winner was 15-year-old Shane Bellotti, from Brookfield House Special School in Highams Park.

Shane was nominated by staff for his caring and welcoming attitude towards other children at the school, including his decision to learn sign language so he could communicate with hearing impaired students.

The grant money was spent on fleece blankets for students in wheelchairs to stay warm in the playground and on a new school volleyball net.

Charity founder, Jack Petchey CBE, 87, 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."

Waltham Forest Mayor Cllr Richard Sweden added: "[The awards] are a great platform to affirm the good news stories about the young people in our borough”.

Visit www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk for more information on the foundation.