Children from Hillingdon schools who took part in a prize-winning event at Uxbridge College joined celebrations at London's City Hall.

The youngsters from Douay Martyrs School and Uxbridge High had all taken part in the Aspire event, two days of taster courses to encourage young people to consider further and higher education. A total of 300 primary school children from 20 schools in Hillingdon took part in nine workshops including sport, health, media, music, engineering, art and British Sign Language this summer.

Aspire was chosen for a Cross-organisational Partnership and Impact Award, sponsored by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson, in the London Education Partnership Awards 2009.

The event at City Hall recognised all those involved in making a success of the Aspire event, which has been running for three years. The partners included Hillingdon Improvement Partnership, the University of Westminster, Thames Valley University, Brunel University and the 20 schools.

Speaking on the night Laraine Smith, Principal of Uxbridge College, said: "In partnership we can be a powerful force in the Hillingdon community to promote education and skills. I am very proud of the College, very proud of Aspire project and I am very glad the young participants and their parents have taken the trouble to come and be here tonight."

While Boris Johnson was not able to be at the event himself, he sent Pam Chesters, his Mayoral Adviser on Health and Youth Opportunities, who said: "If Boris Johnson were here he would say 'fantastic guys you did a really good job.' It's really great to have you here in City Hall to thank you in person and congratulate you on your achievements."

Aspire was funded by London West Aimhigher.