A WEST Devon rotarian recently received an award after completing the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA).

Tavistock rotarian, Emma Dobson, received her award certificate from club president Clive Fairchild. She was sponsored by Walter C Parson — Emma is the funeral director at the firm's Tavistock Branch.

The week long course was held at Brimpts Farm on Dartmoor and is designed to build self confidence and leadership skills. The programme comprises an intensive variety of outdoor activities and tasks aimed at team building skills, along with a series of projects and lectures from high achieving people based in the area.

Emma said that the course had increased her confidence and enthusiasm as well as enhancing her interpersonal skills, and she returned feeling energised and motivated.

She added that although the projects were demanding and sometimes frustrating, any negativity was outweighed by the inspirational speakers, well planned enjoyable tasks and close friendships formed.

She said: 'I have already applied much of what I learned from this experience to my work and personal life and thank both my employer and the Tavistock Rotary Club for making all of this possible.'