YOUNG people from across West Devon have taken part in activities ranging from sailing in the Fjords and marathon kayaking to working with Age Concern and fundraising for an Indian charity, to achieve their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.  

More than 50 young people were presented with their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards by Sir John Cave, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, at a ceremony in Exeter earlier this month in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Exeter.

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.

Participants, regardless of their economic circumstances, ability or disability are encouraged to develop existing interests or try something new. Whatever they choose to do for their programme, they can find enjoyment, excitement and satisfaction. The scheme is delivered through schools, colleges, youth clubs, voluntary organisations such as scouts and guides and churches.

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.  

Cllr Christine Channon, cabinet member for schools and skills, said:  'Congratulations to these remarkable young people for achieving this fantastic accolade.

'I am delighted that once again so many young people from across Devon have been involved in this superb scheme, having undertaken a wide and varied range of projects and expeditions to achieve this award.

'The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme provides young people with a real breadth of skills — from volunteering to physical challenges, developing existing new 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.'