Metropolitan Police Volunteer Police Cadets from across London came together to receive prestigious Jack Petchey Foundation (JPF) annual awards at an event held on Sunday (January 17) at the Kensington Great Hall.

The awards honoured the 152 Achievement Award winners aged 11-25 who received medallions to go with their framed certificate and a cheque for £200, which had been previously presented.

They were nominated by their peers and leaders, receiving awards for a variety of achievements big and small.

Among the winners was 11-year-old Blenna Yohanes from the Kensington and Chelsea unit of the Volunteer Police Cadets .

She had been a junior cadet for two years and at the age of 10 joined senior cadets on a visit to Morocco, where she delivered a speech at the Moroccan Police headquarters.

She has also recently progressed to the senior cadets but still helps out with the juniors every week.

Superintendent Jo Edwards helped give the awards at the event, held at the famous hall in Kensington Town Hall, and said: “It was a privilege and an honour to present the awards to so many young people from every borough of London.

"Their work, attitude and commitment is an inspiration to us all. They are fantastic ambassadors for the Metropolitan police and for London.”

The JPF has awarded the Metropolitan Police Volunteer Police Cadets £426,000 since funding began in 2000.

Newly knighted 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 it has provided support to a wide range of 2,000 youth initiatives across London and Essex and a milestone investment of £100million.

The 90-year-old 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.”