THURROCK students and teachers have been honoured for their achievements at school by the Jack Petchey Foundation.

Sixty two incredible young people from schools and colleges in the borough received their prestigious Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards presented at a live digital event.

Winners received medallions and framed certificates from the Foundation prior to the online event along with a £250 grant for them to spend to benefit their school or youth group.

In addition, two adults were awarded Leader Awards for demonstrating outstanding ability to motivate young people. They each received a medallion and a framed certificate.

Among those honoured was George Lane, 14, who attends St Clere's School in Stanford-le-Hope.

George was awarded a Jack Petchey Achievement Award for his dedication and enthusiasm for drama at school. Not only did he play the lead role in the production of Oliver at Thameside Theatre (which you can watch in full via this St Clere's steam), but he has taken part in other shows outside of school while maintaining a professional commitment to all drama activities within the school.

His teachers describe him as committed to the craft he loves while still completing his studies and homework for school.

George said: "I am really proud to have received a Jack Petchey award. After seeing them on display around school, it was always something I wanted to achieve and now being awarded one is very special."

George decided to spend his £250 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on resources for the drama department including scripts, revision guides and paint.

Frank Dalton, 15, also attends St Clere's School and is another nominated achiever.

Frank was recognised for being an outstanding pupil at St Clere's school, particularly in his commitment and interest in his art classes.

Frank has responded to the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic by creating thought-provoking paintings and photography of people in masks that regularly makes people stop in their tracks in the art department.

Laine Taylor, Frank's art teacher, said: "Frank has a very promising future, hopefully continuing in his art education."

Frank said: "Winning a Jack Petchey award for my participation in art means a lot to me … Alongside achieving the award, the monetary prize was spent towards St Clere's Art department, which doesn't get as much funding as some other subjects, and I'm glad I have been able to give back to the Art department from all it has given me."

He has spent his £250 award grant on art materials including colour pencils, stencils and a light box.