A 13-year-old boy who has had a year out of school for hospital surgery on his legs has been given an achievement award for his perseverance to walk again and even take up sports with his classmates.

Jeremiah Oluwaniyi ended up in a wheelchair — but was determined to catch up with his schoolwork at Dagenham’s All Saints Catholic School.

He is one of 95 youngsters from schools in Barking and Dagenham receiving Jack Petchey awards.

Jeremiah went through months of painful bone realignment and had to be schooled at home online, yet never missed a deadline or fell behind in his classwork.

He needed a wheelchair when he finally returned, yet pressed on and now only needs one crutch to walk.

The determined youngster also takes part in PE to overcome his obstacles.

Jeremiah is spending his £300 Jack Petchey grant on sports equipment and games for pupils with similar disabilities.

Other award winners include 19-year-old Mohammod Islam for his outstanding BTec business studies at The Warren School in Chadwell Heath and being a role model to other pupils.

He helps classmates with coursework, tutors Year 12 and helps Year 10 pupils using his business knowledge.

Mohammod spends his grant on Business Studies textbooks for the school.

Another achiever is 16-year-old Nathan Otitodilichukwu, a pupil at Pathways School in Dagenham who overcame “personal barriers” during his work experience in engineering while shadowing technicians.

He helps set up equipment, despite finding new settings difficult with people he is not used to.

He has also learned to travel independently on public transport. Nathan spends his grant on a football kit for the school.

The awards evening at the Barking Broadway theatre recognised young people aged 11 to 25 for contributions to their school, college or community, with grants to spend to benefit their peers.

Sir Jack Petchey, aged 97, who made his fortune in car sales and property investment, set up his Petchey Foundation in 1999 to recognise young people who contribute to society, supporting 2,000 initiatives in London and Essex over the years.