Proud youngsters from schools and groups across Redbridge were in the spotlight at last night’s Jack Petchey Foundation’s awards night at Redbridge Town Hall.

More than 600 family members and friends packed out the hall in High Road, Ilford, to celebration the achievements of young people and youth leaders who were each presented with medallions on the stage.

Award winners from Newbridge School, St John’s RC School, Woodbridge High SChool, Little Heath School, Redbridge College, the Palmer Catholic Academy, Caterham High School, Wanstead High School, the Ursuline Academy, and Woodford County High School were given their awards by VIP guest Chris Ma, Redbridge Council’s head of positive activities and children’s services.

Taking to the stage to a loud pop soundtrack including Bruno Mars and One Direction, the fun evening recognised youngsters for striving to achieve in all areas.

Cllr Elaine Norman, the council’s cabinet member for children and young people, presented medals to winners from New Rush Hall School, Seven Kings High, Redbridge Tuition Service, Loxford School, Mayfield School, Trinity Catholic High, Beal High, Chadwell Heath Academy, King Solomon and the Forest Academy.

And the Recorder’s news editor Laura Burnip presented awards to winners from Valentines High, John Barker Centre, Oaks Park High, the Constance Bridgeman Centre and Ilford County High.

In a speech after the presentations, Schenell Stephens, grants officer, quoted entrepreneur Richard Branson: “Don’t betray your dreams for the sake of fitting in – dreaming is one of humanity’s greatest gifts.

“We should all dream, and encourage others to do so too. In a world without dreams there would be no art, no adventure, no moon landing, no female CEOs, and no civil rights. What a half-lived and tragic existence we would have.”

And Phillip Allinson, head of events, praised the “hard-working, dedicated and caring” winners.

“You should all be very proud.”

Read the stories of some of the winners in this week’s Recorder, out now. We will be printing picture from last night’s event in next week’s paper.