AN evening of celebration took place recently at the Seabrooke Community House in Grays as representatives of the Essex Boys & Girls Clubs, the Jack Petchey Foundation and local volunteers celebrated the achievements of local young people from across the borough.

The culmination of project saw the youngsters complete an expedition to the Lake District.

Cllr Martin Kerin said: "I am honoured to have presented these awards. The young people involved are a credit to their parents and their communities.

"A big thank you goes out to Keith Cranmer and Cassie Maslin of the Essex Boys & Girls Clubs, Peta Cubberley of the Jack Petchey Foundation, and Anita Donovan & Gavin Lee of the Seabrooke Community House.

"Gavin celebrated his birthday whilst in the Lake District, and I know the young people appreciated his commitment in being away from his own family during this time.

"I hope that more youngsters from across our borough will take up the opportunities provided by the Essex Boys & Girls Clubs, the Jack Petchey Foundation and volunteers from the Seabrooke Community House"