A CHANCE to hear about the Duke of Edinburgh Award achievements of young people from across West Devon was provided at the annual presentation evening held in Tavistock Town Hall last week.

Mayor of West Devon, Cllr Richard Phillips, presented bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards to young people from West Devon, between the ages of 14 and 21.

Mayor of Tavistock Cllr Marjorie Corner was also present at the ceremony last Wednesday (February 12).

The guest speaker was Shari Ravensdale, an aid worker with Tibetan refugees in India and Nepal.

Trek Aid, based in Stoke, Plymouth, operates under the patronage of his Holiness the Dalai Lama to safeguard the welfare, health and education of Tibetans as they seek to preserve their culture and religion as refugees from their country.

The charity?s work is an example to all young people undertaking the service qualification of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.

The chairman of the Tavistock and District committee Kelvin White introduced the unit leaders. They were Mrs Jean Newland from Tavistock College; Dr Sean Wilkinson from Kelly College; Mr Mark Peard of Kilworthy and Chelfham Schools; Mr Bob Cawse, leader of the Tavistock Open Group and Mr Philip Newcombe of Tavistock ATC Squadron 2312.

The award committee are most grateful for the continuing support of the Tavistock Youth Forum, and always welcome fresh adult support for this rewarding work.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Helen Jenny, chair of the Devon and Plymouth Duke of Edinburgh Award committee and also present was Barbara Swinfen, the award officer for Devon and Plymouth.

l Pictured with the Mayor of West Devon Cllr Richard Phillips and the mayor of Tavistock Cllr Marjorie Corner are youngsters and unit leaders who attended the presentation.