LOCAL young people were among 50 from across Devon presented with gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards for activities ranging from sailing in the Fjords and marathon kayaking to working with Age Concern and fundraising for an Indian charity.

From nearly 1,000 who achieved their gold awards in Devon during 2009, 50 braved the snow and icy conditions to attend the presentation ceremony at County Hall, Exeter, where the awards were presented by Sir John Cave, Vice-Lord Lieutenant of Devon.

Also at the ceremony was Anne Whiteley, Devon County Council's executive director for children and young people's services and Dillon Hughes, assistant director for integrated youth support and development services.

Guests were welcomed by Helen Jenny, chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme for Devon and Philip Treleven, regional director for the South West.

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.

Those who take part, 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 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.

For adults, the DofE provides an opportunity to help by sharing their skills and experience with young people. This can lead to better understanding between the young and not-so-young and strengthen co-operation within the community.

The gold award can take a number of years to achieve, the average being around two. Each person who takes part has to cover five different areas of achievement – a volunteering project, skills, physical recreation, expedition and residential project.

A number of young people completed their gold award with Queen Elizabeth's Community College, Crediton, during 2009.

They were: Jason Hunt, Tom McNamara, Jamie Packham, Sarah Wadham, Jonathan Clarke and Sarah Preece. Jason, Tom and Sarah attended the ceremony.

Both Jason, from Copplestone, and Sarah, from Crediton, helped with a year 10 maths group and studied reading as part of their awards.

Tom, from Half Moon, assisted the elderly by volunteering with Age Concern and officiating at football matches.

Sir John Cave congratulated the young people on their achievement of gaining an award.

"I know that these awards do not come without a lot of effort, commitment, dedication and perseverance," he told them.

He said he believed that the young people were now equipped with the skills to meet future challenges in their lives.

Sir John Cave also presented a certificate to long-serving DofE leader, Lt Col Mike Forey of Exeter. Alan Quick