A PRESENTATION evening to recognise the achievements of youngsters from Tavistock taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh's award scheme took place in the Town Hall last Wednesday.
Celebrated mountaineer Norman Croucher OBE presented certificates to young people from Tavistock, who despite the limitations on the use of Dartmoor following foot and mouth, had made great progress with their awards in the last 12 months.
Certificates were presented to young people from Tavistock College, Tavistock Air Training Corps squadron 2312, the Open Award group and Chelfham schools, in recognition of their achievements.
The young people and their parents were welcomed by the Tavistock and District chairman Kelvin White, who congratulated all those taking part in the scheme and all the adults who had supported it during the last year.
When the presentation was complete, Mr Croucher spoke about the relevance of the award scheme to the development of young people, drawing on his unique achievements as a mountaineer despite losing both his legs below the knee many years ago.
Mr Croucher's inspiring speech was illustrated with slides and there was warm applause for his talk.
Mr Croucher then made presentations to ex-members of the Tavistock committee in recognition of their past voluntary commitment to the young people of West Devon.
Former committee members Derek Roper and Di Reardon received certificates.
The evening was attended by the Mayor of West Devon Cllr Robin Pike and the Mayor of Tavistock Cllr Norma Woodcock.
The final remarks were delivered by Mary Harper, representing the South West Regional Office of the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards.
The evening concluded with refreshments and displays about the award and the Air Training Corps.