YOUNGSTERS from Kelly College and Hatherleigh were among 40 young people from Devon who have been honoured for achieving their Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award.

Rachael Piddington from Hatherleigh and Chantal Whitfield, who lives in Crapstone, were among those to be presented with their award by deputy lieutenant Sir John Evans at a ceremony at County Hall earlier this month.

The ceremony was attended by Helen Jenny MBE, chair of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme in Devon, and the county council's head of child and adult protection Fiona Fitzpatrick.

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 10,927 young people in Devon registered for the DofE scheme at bronze, silver and gold levels.

The scheme is not competitive, and anyone with the necessary perseverance, enterprise and effort can gain a DofE award. Young people are encouraged to choose activities which suit their particular interest and talents, challenge their perceptions and which are appropriate to the environment in which they live.

The gold award can take a number of years to achieve, the average being around two.

Each participant has to cover five different areas of achievement — a volunteering project, skills, physical recreation, expedition and residential experience.

Rachael earned her award for her work as an English classroom assistant, her musical skill on piano, her involvement in aerobics, for undertaking an expedition to the Lake District and for partaking in a university course.

Chantal was given her award for her public speaking, kayaking, expedition to Drakensberg Mountains, sailing and CCF leadership.

County councillor Will Mumford said: 'Congratulations to these remarkable young people for achieving this fantastic accolade.

'I am delighted that so many young people from across Devon have been involved in this superb scheme. 

'The personal skills they develop will be invaluable as they move to further education, employment and training, as well as helping local communities, charities and voluntary groups.'