Pupils and teachers who have “gone the extra mile” were celebrated at a prizegiving evening.

The Outstanding for All Awards, run by Haringey Council and held at Alexandra Palace, saw young people and community groups from across the borough commemorated for their achievements.

Derwit Zerai, of Greig City Academy, won the achievement in the arts award for his contribution to the school’s drama and music departments.

Mr Zerai, who is a keen guitarist and has recently been involved in productions of Greek plays, said: “I wasn’t expecting it, but getting this award has been one of the most amazing achievements of my life so far.

“I’d like to give a shout out to the art department in Greig City Academy, and to Mr Mishra who has always been there pushing me. He’s always supported me and been there helping me out."

Nimra Butt, who is visually impaired and will eventually go completely blind, won the overcoming adversity award.

Ms Butt, a pupil at Hornsey School, is unable to see the board in class and gets tired after reading. She is also unable to travel on her own.

She said: “I was really nervous tonight. I had to put a lot of effort into my school work but I made sure I asked for help if I needed it.”

Ms Butt is currently studying for A-levels in chemistry, maths and biology and hopes to study medicine in university.

The Celebrating Diversity Award, presented by Councillor Bernice Vanier, went to educational group Narrative Eye, who visit schools to teach pupils about black history.

Tanya Thompson, collecting the award on behalf of the group, said: “It’s surprising to win, we just humbly go about our work and just try to make a difference to children and adults."

The group’s current work involves teaching children about Afro-Caribbean people’s involvement in the First World War, but the next project will be on the contribution of black people to society in the Tudor period.

Miss Thompson said: “We usually learn so much about Henry VIII.”

Age UK won the Community Organisation Award for its work pairing older people with primary school children for reading sessions.

In a parallel project, Haringey sixth formers help pensioners use computers and other IT equipment.

Intergenerational development officer Claire Frost said people aged over 60 wanted to be involved with children.

Amira Ali, of Hornsey School for Girls and Kiew Hoang of Gladesmore were jointly awarded the unsung youth award.

Ms Ali campaigned at her school against female genital mutilation and Ms Hoang has been volunteering to support young people. 

Ms Ali said the award made her feel proud of what she had done, and felt that her school now took the issues more seriously.

Ms Hoang said she had enjoyed bringing people together over the course of her volunteering.

The lifetime achievement award, in memory of Pat Egan, was given to Kenneth Henry, who has worked in non-mainstream education for more than 25 years.

Mr Henry said he had first been attracted to the job when his daughter had emotional problems, and that he intended to stay working in the area for many more years.