TWO employers of West Devon Borough Council are being sponsored by the Rotary Club of Tavistock to take part in an award scheme to improve their leadership and communication skills.

Planning officer Anna Henderson-Smith and housing advisor Sarah Packham have been selected for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) which takes place at Brimpts Farm on Dartmoor in July.

Participants have to undertake a series of physical and mental challenges to improve their team building skills, confidence and leadership.

The week-long course involves an intensive programme of outdoor pursuits and tasks along with projects and lectures from high achieving people like Pen Hadow and Sir Ranulph Fiennes. At the end of the week the young people are invited to give a presentation.

Rotarian in charge of the club's youth activities programmes Russell Woolcock, MBE said: 'We support RYLA as one of the most worthwhile things that our district does annually and the club felt that both applicants would benefit from this course.'

The award scheme is open to young people from the ages of 18-28 and anyone interested in finding out more can contact rotarian Tony Whitehead on 01822 613665.