A BASILDON student is one of the latest winners of a Jack Petchey Achievement Award.

Adetola Tanimowo, 17, who attends The Basildon Upper Academy received the honour for being a highly ambitious and hardworking student. She is hoping to pursue a career in medicine and has a real passion to succeed. She takes every opportunity with both hands and ensures she makes the most of it.

Adetola, who attended a presentation ceremony, said: "The event was brilliant and very inspiring to see other students and myself receive this recognition for our achievements. I would like to say that no matter who doesn't believe in you or how many people tell you that you can't, you most definitely can and will believe and continue to work hard."

Adetola has decided to spend her award grant on resources for the science department, including calculators, books and a digital stop clock.

Sir Jack founded the Jack Petchey Foundation in 1999 to recognise the positive contributions young people make to society and to support them in achieving their potential. Since then it has provided support to a wide range of 2,000 initiatives supporting young people across London and Essex and has since invested more than £143m in young people.

Youth organisations and non-fee paying secondary schools/colleges interested in joining the Jack Petchey Achievement Award scheme should visit the Foundation's website.