FOUR selfless youngsters have been rewarded for their outstanding contributions to the community.

Redbridge College students, Charlene Arrondeau, Jeremy Akita, Alexandra Bateman and Lavinia Scott all received the Jack Petchey Award in recognition of their efforts over the past year.

The awards - which are handed out to youngsters who overcome adversity to make a positive impact as volunteers in a wide range of roles - were handed out at a special ceremony by college principal, Theresa Drowley.

Each winner received a cheque for £200 to be spent on anything they feel will improve their time at the college - from IT to stationary.

Lavinia, who volunteers for children's charity Barnardo’s, was recently awarded funding to make a film about the causes and consequences of self-harm.

She has secured an internship in Barnardo’s marketing and graphic design department and hopes to become an 'art therapist' after finishing her BTEC in Graphic Design at the college.

She said: "I was really surprised to have won the award as I only found out the day before the ceremony.

"I am really pleased about winning and have now been asked to use my design skills to create a cartoon for the college newsletter which I am looking forward to doing."

Fellow award winner Jeremy Akita was recognised for his efforts as deputy student representative.

Jeremy added: "I am very happy, and pleased to have won this award."