A number of young volunteer police cadets from south-east London were acknowledged for their efforts as part of the Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards.

Cadets aged 11-25 were honoured at a prestigious event held at the Kensington Great Hall where they each received a cheque worth £250 along with a medal for their service.

Among the total 124 recipients, cadets from Bromley, Bexley and Lewisham were rewarded for their achievements.

These included Jessica Bell, 16, from the VPC Bexley unit; Jess Ainsworth, 15, from the VPC Bromley unit; and Daniel Samms, 13, from the VPC Lewisham unit.

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Jessica Ball, 16, from the VPC Bexley unit

Each put their £250 prize back into their unit by buying equipment and funding social events.

Deputy mayor for policing and crime, Sophie Linden described it as a "wonderful event", expressing pride towards cadets who volunteer their spare time to help their units.

"Congratulations to all the winners and many thanks to the staff, volunteers, parents and carers for their support.

"Jack Petchey is an inspiration to us all. Today was a celebration of the talent and enthusiasm of our young people," she said.

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Daniel Samms, 13, of the VPC Lewisham unit

The Jack Petchey Foundation was set up in 2007 by the millionaire philanthropist to inspire and motivate young people across London by providing projects and programmes for them to get involved in, as well as recognising the work put in by volunteers within its programmes.

Metropolitan Police Volunteer Police Cadet (VPC) units have collectively received funding of £663,716 from the Jack Petchey Foundation since funding started in 2007.