YOUNG people from across Tavistock attended an annual presentation ceremony to receive their bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh awards.

Youngsters aged 14 to 25, from Tavistock College, Kelly College, the Tavistock Air Training Corps and the Tavistock Open Award Group were presented with their awards by the Devon County award officer Sally Yeo, at the ceremony held at Tavistock Town Hall.

A mixture of gold, silver and bronze awards were given to the students, air cadets and open group members for their achievements in the four areas of the award scheme — expeditions, physical activity, volunteering and skills.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme works through schools and voluntary organisations to provide a non-competitive framework for personal development, which can be seen by some future employers as equivalents to GCSEs and A-Levels.

Phil Newcombe, commanding officer of the Tavistock Air Training Corps Squadron 2312, said: 'We are very proud of all the youngsters.

'They learn and gain many life experiences by taking the awards, which are nationally recognised by all employees and further education establishments.

'The awards give young adults an edge above their peers.

'A couple of them did an exhibition in Spain — they went as youngsters and came back as adults.'

As well as presenting awards to the students, air cadets and open group members, a national award of appreciation was given to Tim Smith, station commander at Tavistock Fire Station, as a gesture of thanks for his contribution and service to the award scheme over 30 years.

He was presented with a certificate by Philip Sanders, chairman of Tavistock and District Duke of Edinburgh Award committee.

Also attending the presentations were deputy mayor of Tavistock David Whitcomb, West Devon mayor Alison Clish-Green and West Devon mayoress Kirstie Clish-Green.

For more information about Duke of Edinburgh Awards to go http://www.dofe.org">www.dofe.org