INSPIRING youngsters were celebrated for their courage, determination and achievement at the Colchester Youth Awards.

The finalists in the annual awards were congratulated at a glitzy ceremony held at the Swinburne Hall at Colchester Institute.

This year's chairman of the awards Jacqui Flynn said all the nominations were worthy of praise.

She added: "This awards evening gives a small insight into the lives and achievements of Colchester’s young people and each year I find myself in awe of the determination and fortitude each group shown in meeting challenges, whether academic, social or personal.

"Our nominees this year are students attending our schools, our sixth form college, Colchester Institute and Essex University.

"We also have young people who have joined the world of work and others who are now living independently.

"What they all have in common are shared values and shared attributes - they are strong, determined, courageous, resilient and hardworking young people who want to make a contribution by becoming involved in their places of work, study and wider communities.

"They have all taken steps to create change either for themselves or for others and they can all be proud of their individual and joint achievements."

The award for the personal journey was this year divided into two categories.

The award for triumph in exceptional circumstances, went to Jade Baker.

The audience was told: "Jade's story is one of incredible tenacity, second chances and hope. She is now thriving and we believe the life lessons she has learned will empower her throughout her life."

The personal journey award for academic success went to Anya Lovett who despite suffering a life-changing health situation, taught herself to walk and talk again whilst keeping up with her A level studies at Colchester Sixth Form College.

The award for outstanding achievement went to Change Makers, a group of five youngsters who made a film which was a powerful message to young people about sexual exploitation which has been a major hit on YouTube and was commissioned by Essex Police.

And the Entrpreneur award went to Thomas Royce, who turned his passion for nature and gardening into his own business.

The Volunteer award was won by James Bacon who was recognised for his dedication to Re-cycle which restores bikes which are sent to Africa.

He also helps at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester.

Lily Blackwell took the award in the Arts category. She is only 11-years-old but has shown commitment and enthusiasm and has even written her own scripts.

The Learning Achievement award was won by Maria Mehwish. She moved to the UK when she was 14 and through drive and focus has progressed in IT at college and has secured an apprenticeship with Colchester Council. Maria was described as "an example of positivity and strength, epitomising courage triumphing over adversity".

The community improvement award was won by Emily Denney, Francesca Tindall; Emma Line and Molly Flaherty who set up a mental health awareness project at their school.

The chair's award – chosen from all highly commended nominees - went to Aaron Clarke who has helped to develop the Extra Time Football project.

A special achievement award also went to the Stepping Up ESOL Group who were said to have demonstrated enormous strength of character, resilience and optimism with some not only having left their homes, communities and countries but also their immediate families.