THIRTY-nine young people from Devon were honoured for their contribution to the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award scheme at a special ceremony at County Hall in Exeter earlier this month.

The young people who had completed their gold award had them presented by Sir John Evans, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon.

Also attending the ceremony was Helen Jenny, chair of the scheme in Devon, and executive members of Devon County Council.

The DofE is a personal development programme undertaken as part of leisure time activities. It challenges young people between the ages of 14 and 25 to serve others, acquire new skills, experience adventure, and make new friends — young and old. There are currently 7,800 young people in Devon registered.

Participants, regardless of their economic circumstances, ability or disability, are encouraged to develop existing interests or try something new.