EXCEPTIONAL young people of all ages have been rewarded for their achievements at a special civic celebration.

The youngsters from Bexley’s primary, secondary and special schools were nominated by their teachers for their academic arts and sporting achievement, and for progress and service to their school.

Among those rewarded was nine-year-old David Akinleye, a pupil at Castilion Primary School in Thamesmead, who achieved a grade C in his GCSE maths exam in the summer.

East Wickham Infant School, Welling, pupil Joseph Tejan was another award winner, for improving his reading age by 45 months in one school year.

Outstanding student Charles Sewell, from the Harris Academy Falconwood, received his award for gaining 20 GCSEs in the summer, all at A* to C grades.

Not all the awards were for outstanding academic achievements.

Zoe Smith, from Townley Grammar School in Bexleyheath, is a young weightlifter.

She managed to achieve nine GCSEs in the summer, while in training for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, where as England’s youngest team member, she won a bronze medal.

And Tom Snow who attends Marlborough School in Sidcup for children with profound and complex disabilities, achieved his Level 2 in cycling and took part in the London Sky Ride.

He is now working witha cycling trainer to achieve his Level 3, which will enable him to go cycling with his family.

Cabinet member for education, Councillor Simon Windle described the celebration event as “a joy”.

He added: “As well as celebrating our outstanding pupils who have achieved some first rate results, we hold this event to recognise those who have made every effort to improve or have contributed to their school community.

Welling School students Danielle Simpson, Robyn Lidsey and Abi Granger took the official photographs of the event.