Tendring’s inspirational youngsters have been praised for their community spirit and outstanding personal achievements at a glitzy award ceremony.

The 2024 Tendring Youth Awards was held at Clacton’s Princes Theatre on Tuesday night (22 October), with the judges praising all the brilliant young people who were nominated.

Marking its eighth year, the awards celebrate achievements by young people across a range of categories, as well as by adult unsung heroes who support young people in the district.

Harwich Haven Authority was the headline sponsor of this year’s awards, which are supported by Tendring District Council and Essex County Council. Other sponsors are Aquinas Provisions, Princes Theatre, Actual Radio, Halterman Carless, TimeLine Auctions and Latimer by Clarion Housing Group.

Karen O’Connor, Tendring Youth Awards’ Chairwoman, said: “Every year the judging panel is absolutely blown away by the standard of the nominations we receive - and this year was no exception.

“There are some truly incredible young people who live, study, work and volunteer in Tendring and a host of excellent adults who support them.

“While the nature of the awards means there is a winner in every category, I want to thank each and every one of those nominated for their outstanding community spirit and the incredible things they have done – they are a fine example for other youngsters to follow.

“I would also like to thank the dedicated volunteers on the awards committee, without whom this event could not go ahead - we are also keen to welcome new people on the committee and sponsors ahead of next year’s awards.”

Alongside the award presentations were performances by Stagestruck Academy and Panic Attack, a band made up from Clacton County High School, and a choir from Engaines Primary School in Little Clacton.

Tendring District Council Chairman Councillor Dan Casey, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Essex Nigel Spencer MBE, and the High Sheriff of Essex David Hurst also attended the event, along with sponsors, guests and nominators.

To keep up-to-date with the Tendring Youth Awards, or for organisations interesting in being a sponsor, visit https://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/tendring-youth-awards or go to the award’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

THE WINNERS

Arts (Young Person aged 11-21) – Sponsored by the Princes Theatre
Winner: Emilia Swann

Runners-up: Caitlin Cooke, Scarlett Haywood

Community Improvement(Young Person aged 8-21) – Sponsored by Harwich Haven Authority
Winner: Wellbeing Ambassadors, Clacton Coastal Academy

Runners-up: George & Theo Serghiou, CVST - Bradley Holmes, Crystal, Jamie, Linda, Mollie Spencer

The Environmental Initiative Award (Young Person/group aged 8-21) – Sponsored by Halterman Carless
Winner: Great Clacton Eco-Warriors

Runners-up: Danielle Fraser, Young Tree Champions

Improved Attendance Award (Primary school) – Sponsored by Aquinas

Winners: Elliarna Beecher, Jack Favell

Runners-up: Bobby Lufkin

Improved Attendance Award (Secondary school) – Sponsored by Aquinas

Winner: Precious Smith

Runners-up: Owen Howard, Freia Beeson-Cocks

Outstanding Achievement(Young Person aged 11-21) - Sponsored by Timeline Auctions
Winner: Ty Bowring

Runners-up: Billy Fox, Harry Baucutt

Learning Achievement(Young Person aged 11-21) - Sponsored by Tendring District Council
Winner: Summer Edwards

Runners-up: Cacia Double, Emily Koker

Personal Growth (Young Person aged 8-21) – Sponsored by Latimer by Clarion Housing Group
Winner: Florrie Collins

Runners-up: Demi Merrick, Oliver Howe

Unsung Hero (Adult) –Sponsored by Harwich Haven Authority
Joint Winners: Brian Mayo

Runner-up: Jim Denny, Alex Gray

For the Good of All(Young Person aged 11-21) - Sponsored by Actual Radio
Winners: Bradley Holmes

Runner-up: Ruby-LouKirby, Tim Triffitt

Young Carer (Young Person aged 8-18) – Sponsored by Essex County Council
Winner: Oliver Roberts

Runners-up: Marnie Cooke, Novalee Kyan

Young Lifesaver (Young Person aged 11-21)
Winner: Billy Fox & Ryan Forward

Committee’s Award
Winner: George & Theo Serghiou