A THURROCK youngster is the latest to be honoured by the Jack Petchey Foundation with an Environmental Award to recognise the great things for the environment she has been doing in the borough.

Evita Keblyte, 12, has been recognised for being proactive in planting flowers at home and at school. She has also worked tirelessly and consistently to recycle rubbish and old clothes, and to encourage others to do the same.

In addition to this, Evita is always looking for new ways to be eco-friendly both inside and outside of school. She collects and recycles plastic bottles and paper, as well as creating her own posters and presentations to give students ideas on how to reduce their carbon footprint.

Upon receiving the award, Evita said: "I never expected to win, and it was such a happy surprise when I got pulled out of class to be told about being an Environmental Award winner. I will be proud of this and cherish my entire school career and later in life. I will continue to make the world a better and greener place. I hope others can also win the award and feel the joy I felt."

Chief Executive Officer of the Jack Petchey Foundation Gemma Juma, said: "At the Jack Petchey Foundation, young people inspire us all the time with the incredible work they do. We want to recognise more young people across London and Essex doing inspirational things to improve their local environment. We hope these awards will motivate others and showcase the positive things young people do every day to help create a sustainable future."

Members of the public wishing to nominate a young person should visit https://www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk/opportunities/jack-petchey-environmental-award/ and fill in the form to submit their nomination, including contact details and reason for nominating. These nominations will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

A young person can be nominated for any actions that make a positive impact on their local environment. These could include: volunteering in a community garden or for an environmental charity, taking part in a community clean-up (e.g. litter picking), starting an environmental initiative at their school or youth group, promoting the protection of the environment and any other projects where they have been positively impacting the environment.

The Jack Petchey Foundation has worked with schools and youth groups across Thurrock since funding first started, providing £2m in funding to schools and youth clubs.

Sir Jack founded the Foundation in 1999 to recognise the positive contributions young people make to society and to support them in achieving their potential. Since then the Foundation has supported more than 2,000 initiatives for young people across London and Essex and has invested more than  £150m.

Sir Jack CBE, aged 96, 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."