STUDENTS and a teacher at Thurrock's Hassenbrook Academy have been honoured for their 'outstanding' work for the local community.

Year ten student Joseph Urbanowski has received a Jack Petchey Foundation award for being a role model due to his dedication to schoolwork and achieving a level nine in his science exams.

Another Year nine student Kyle Wood also received an award for selfless commitment to peers. He was nominated by his schoolmates and teachers for being a student who is someone to talk to by others who feel upset.

Leia Edwards from Year 10 also won a Jack Petchey award for being a role model to follow and for her sporting prowess in basketball where she has become a youth international.

Each of the winning students received a cash prize of £250 to spend for the school.

And Andrew Scott, assistant Headteacher at Ortu Hassenbrook Academy, has also received a Jack Petchey Leadership award following his continued support and the number of home visits he made to students during the summer lockdown. He won £750 to spend for his achievement.

Andrew said: "I'm absolutely delighted to receive this award; however, I feel it is part of my job to go above and beyond."

Dr Sophina Asong, CEO of the Ortu Federation, which runs Hassenbrook as well as Gable Hall, Corringham Primary School and The Ortu Sixth Form Centre, said: "We are always extremely proud when our students' graft and achievements are recognised more widely. This is a familiar feeling for parents and teachers alike. One can never be too young to strive to be the best they can be. Congratulations to our students and to the staff who supported them along the way."