FOUR Okehampton youngsters are on the list of New Year recipients of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

Peter Cooper, Laura Compton, Rebecca Ewen and Matthew Harding are among the 109 young people across Devon taking the top honour for their contribution to the prestigious award scheme.

Laura, Rebecca and Matthew all earned their awards through the Okehampton Open Award group, while Peter earned his through the Okehampton College programme.

They were presented with their awards by Sir John Cave, vice lord-lieutentant of Devon, at a ceremony at County Hall in Exeter last Saturday.

The Duke of Edinburgh scheme 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.

Cllr Christine Cannon, county council cabinet member for schools and skills, said: 'Congratulations to these remarkable young people for this superb achievement.

'The Duke of Edinburgh award scheme provides young people with a real breadth of skills — from volunteering to physical challenges, developing existing talents or trying something new, taking part in an expedition and undertaking a residential trip as part of a team.

'These are all skills that will provide them with invaluable assets towards further education, employment and training, as well as helping local communities, charities and voluntary groups.

'The Government's Positive for Youth strategy released in December set out a clear agenda for local authorities to recognise the achievements of young people in their communities, and this scheme is an excellent way to do this.'