MORE than 100 young people across the borough collected achievement awards at an event at Islington Assembly Hall this week.

The winners, aged 11 to 25, received medallions, certificates, and a £300 grant for them to spend in a way that benefits their school, college, or youth group.

The Jack Petchey Foundation, which runs the awards, say they have now invested more than £1.9million in Islington since funding started.

This year’s winners included 18-year-old Ty, from Capital City College, who said he will use the grant on materials for Culture Week celebrations; and 16-year-old Gabriella, who attends Islington Boat Club, who will contribute her £300 towards tools for shelters and plant life for birds.

Mayor Jason Jackson, who presented the prizes, said: “Jack Petchey awards really showcase the work of our young people.

“Thank you to the foundation for supporting our young people, especially those in Islington.”

Paul Herbage MBE, who helped hand out the awards, added: “At a time when the media are too keen to find fault with young people, listening to what this evening’s young people have achieved often against considerable personal difficulty was truly inspiring.”