A TOTAL of 172 young people from the London and Middlesex Wings of the Air Training Corps were presented with Jack Petchey Achievement Awards at a ceremony on Sunday.

Winners aged 11-25 received medallions to go with a framed certificate and a cheque for £200, already presented. They were nominated by their peers and leaders, winning awards for a variety of achievements big and small but always for doing their best. Seven adults received leader awards for their ability to motivate young people.

The Foundation has awarded £180,000 to Middlesex Wing since funding started in 2007.

Winners included Ina Monponbanua, 15, from Northolt Unit. The cadets nominated Corporal Monponbanua for her work supporting younger cadets and the most recent intake of new recruits.

She spent a lot of time preparing those less experienced for Sennybridge Camp, helping them with their kit preparation and dealing with their questions and concerns.

The new recruits found her extremely encouraging and helpful, saying she was never too busy to help. The award was spent on resources for a photography project.