A SCHOOLBOY who created an English phrasebook to help foreign pupils was among more than 30 young people to receive prestigious achievement awards.

Jakub Smigielski, 11, had struggled with his English when he started at Tendring Technology College because it is not his first language.

But he overcame the language barrier and designed a picture and phrasebook to help other youngsters with similar problems.

Jakub was successfully nominated for a Jack Petchey Foundation achievement awards by his school.

He received a medal and £200 at a special awards ceremony at Walton’s Columbine Centre on Thursday.

The money is being spent on rugby shirts for under-12 pupils at his school.

More than 30 youngsters from across the Tendring district received awards for a range of achievements.

They included Claudia Travell, 12, who goes to Brightlingsea’s Colne Community School.

She was nominated for her tireless fundraising for the Movember campaign and Fair Trade Week.

Claudia was described as a “shining example” by her school.

Five adults also received leadership awards for motivating young people.

In total, 18 awards went to Tendring Technology College pupils.