THE mayor of Okehampton was the guest of honour at an exciting leadership programme for youngsters that took place in the town.

Youngsters from across Devon took part in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, co-ordinated by Okehampton Rotary's Allenton Fisher and based at the YHA Bracken Tor centre near Okehampton Station.

The course, operated by Adventure Okehampton, takes in abseiling, rock climbing, public speaking, high rope climbing and gorge scrambling. As well as these activities, which promote team work and co-operative problem solving, there are theory talks on leadership, and the event culminates in the RYLA Challenge, which involves an overnight trek.

The candidates that take part are sponsored and paid for by rotary clubs throughout Devon. The Rotary Club of Okehampton sponsored Izzi Ewen, who lives in the town.

To find out more about the Bracken Tor centre visit http://www.adventureokehampton.com">www.adventureokehampton.com