STUDENTS from the Okehampton area are set to benefit from a grant of more than £150,000, enabling a series of summer schools to be staged in the area over the next three years.

The New Opportunities Fund has awarded Devon £152,000 for the scheme, enabling young people between the ages of 11 and 16 to take part in a number of activities during the summer holidays, starting this year.

At Okehampton College, 14 young people will be able to participate in a week of activities related to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

The service activities will be based around practical conservation tasks, outdoor adventure activities and skills involving photography and even circus and historical re-enactment projects.

The expedition element of the award scheme will be covered in a day of orienteering and first aid, including a 'wild night out' camping.

Students from the college will also be able to participate in a week of music activities run by the Wren Trust.

Team-building, development of skills, singing, song-making and the introduction of instruments will be covered in the programme, which will be led by professional artists.

The summer schools project has been led by Devon County Council.

Cllr Saxon Spence, the county's executive chairman for lifelong learning, said: 'I am absolutely delighted that our bid has been successful.

'This will enable us to provide a quality learning experience for young people, some of whom may be disaffected with their education.

'These experiences should enhance their learning elsewhere, including when they return to school.'