Girl Guides have been handed achievement awards at a special ceremony.

In total 52 youngsters received the Jack Petchey Foundation awards during a presentation at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester on Monday.

The event honoured winners aged 11 to 25 who received medallions, framed certificates and £250 each.

Sophie Carlin, 14, attends the 1st Tollesbury Guides, and picked up one of the awards.

Described as a “fantastic role model” she was a finalist in the Talent 2030's National Engineering Competition and fundraised for the Malala Fund by holding bake sales and completing a sponsored run.

Sophie decided to spend her £250 grant on a new gas stove and cooking utensils for her unit.

Poppy Hillman-Crouch, 14, from the 2nd Gosfield Guides spent her grant on a trip to the ice rink for her entire unit.

Poppy is described as a “brilliant Guide” who used her sewing skills to make each of the 1st Gosfield Brownies a 1920s flapper dress for the village fete.

Witham Guide Rachel Francies, 11, was recognised for her “incredible strength and loyalty” helping the group while supporting her twin sister through an operation.

Rachel spent her £250 on brand new cooking equipment for each Guide patrol.

Jenny Tolhurst, Lord Lieutenant of Essex, who helped hand out awards said: “I am so very proud of these young ladies who have epitomised their Girlguiding promise and become active citizens in their communities.

“This is something that I know their leaders and parents are particularly proud of and I wish to echo these sentiments – congratulations.”

Julie Craven, County Commissioner, added: “Wow - what another fantastic evening celebrating the successes and achievements of our girls in Girlguiding Essex North East.

"We are so proud to be able to work with the Jack Petchey Foundation who enable us to recognise and celebrate the achievements not just of the girls and leaders who are here receiving their awards this evening, but for all girls to aspire to achieve.

"The girls this evening are model citizens and have embraced what Girlguiding has to offer them and it is right that they can be recognised in this way.”