FOURTEEN outstanding youngsters were due to be commended at a special Children's Sporting Lunch yesterday (Tuesday).

The children, three of whom were Harlow pupils, were praised for significant achievements in sport and overcoming disability, at the annual event run by the Presidents Sporting Club (PSC) and Harlow Handicapped Sports Foundation.

These special youngsters were also treated to a slap-up lunch and the chance to rub shoulders with a host of celebrities.

Organiser Mike Jackson, from the PSC charity, said: "The awards are to recognise endeavour rather than elitism and can vary from swimming two or three strokes to taking part in an outward bound type course."

Emma Hutchin, 14, from Commonside School, was rewarded for consistently working hard to improve her personal level of physical ability and knowledge. Her "excellent attitude" was highlighted.

Also receiving a commendation was 12-year-old Philip Penny from Tye Green School, who has overcome a severe fear of horses and is now riding every week.

And Mead School pupil Christopher Johnson, 10, was praised for making a very good effort in all physical activities.

These award winners were joined at the Harlow Sportcentre by more than 600 other disabled children and their helpers from special schools across Essex and East Herts.

They included pupils from Broadfields, Commonside, Maunds Wood, Peterswood, Spinney and Tye Green Schools.

As well as having a traditional lunch, the youngsters also had

the chance to meet a host of

celebrities.

Attending for the 12th consecutive year was former WBC Heavyweight Champion of the World, boxer Frank Bruno, who is the president of PSC.

The lunch is one of the

highlights of the year for the

PSC and Harlow Handicapped Sports Foundation which raised more than £600,000 to provide sporting facilities and opportunities for disabled children.

All the money raised throughout the years has been donated to schools and organisations across Essex and East Herts.

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