MORE than 100 young people’s achievements were celebrated in an end of year presentation.

The deputy mayor and mayoress of Colchester, Peter and Ann Chillingworth, dished out certificates to young people who gained new skills and qualifications via African Families in the UK.

The Colchester organisation for ethnic minority children and their families gave young people a chance to take part in an programme to learn how to sail, and play instruments with the Hervey Benham Charitable Trust.

Colchester MP Will Quince also joined the presentation.

Rachel Walton, founder of African Families in the UK, said: “The PCC sponsored ten of our workshops and employed one of our young people, which gave them an opportunity to get involved with positive activities.

“The project was extremely successful and has given our youths a sense of ownership and responsibility.

“Other youths achieved an accredited qualification from the Royal Yachting Association but also the Cirdan Sailing Trust and York Student Think Tank were instrumental as they sponsored our youths to sail.

“We’re extremely proud of all our young people’s achievements and how they have grown in confidence, and awareness, over the past year."