The achievements of young people from Tower Hamlets were marked at an awards ceremony in Bethnal Green last week.

The Jack Petchey Foundation presented 139 young people aged between 11 and 25 with awards at the event in York Hall.

Each of the winners was presented with a framed certificate and a cheque for �200, after they were nominated for the awards by peers, teachers and community leaders after giving their all to a project or cause.

Those recognised included 13-year-old Bishop Challoner pupil Ellie Bergman, who helped set up and bake cakes for a Fairtrade lunchtime club at the school.

Six adults who were deemed to have demonstrated an outstanding ability to motivate young people were also recognised at the ceremony with leader’s awards.

The Foundation’s founder, 87-year-old Jack Petchey CBE, said: “I always believe ‘if you think you can, you can’ and these youngsters prove my point - they just needed a little help.

“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.”

Established in 1999, the foundation has provided more than �4.5million in funding for youth organisations in Tower Hamlets, including more than �33,000 each year for the borough’s schools.