YOUNG people from across Devon, including Okehampton, are celebrating after being presented with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Awards.

Recipients from schools, uniformed organisations and voluntary centres across the county took part in a special ceremony hosted by Devon County Council to mark the scheme’s 60th anniversary.

They packed out the council chamber for the presentation ceremony earlier this month to receive their Gold awards and each and every one of them had a story to tell about the challenges and achievements along the way.

Shona Eustace, Isabelle Ewen and Michael Gillibrand, all from the Okehampton Award Group, were among the recipients of the Gold awards.

To be awarded their DofE award, the young people undertook sections in volunteering, learning a new skill, a physical activity and expeditions in teams. Those undertaking their Gold award also had to do a week’s residential.

DofE Devon is part of the Devon Youth Service and civic dignitaries, including DCC leader Councillor John Hart, DCC chairman Councillor Christine Channon and DCC cabinet member for performance and engagement Councillor Barry Parsons attended.

The awards were presented by the vice Lord-Lieutenant, Sir John Cave, with the recipients presented by DCC chief executive Phil Norrey who was acting as master of ceremonies for the event.

Young people were honoured for a range of achievements, including volunteering for a summer camp for disadvantaged children in Bulgaria, dry stone walling and taking part in conservation management research programmes.

Long service awards were also presented to three volunteer DofE leaders, including Chris Bourne from the Okehampton Open Award Group.

County council chairman Christine Channon said: ‘Today the DofE is widely recognised as having a long-term positive impact on young people’s prospects as they develop vital skills for both life and work, including confidence, commitment, team working and a real sense of community involvement.

‘I congratulate each and every one of our award holders in Devon on their personal and team achievements but would also like to congratulate the fantastic network of support that has been developed in this area to help them along the way.’

County council leader John Hart said: ‘Gaining a Duke of Edinburgh Award is an achievement in itself, but it does not only equip people with the skills and experiences they gained along the way, it also offers tangible evidence of what they have done and what they can offer to employers, colleges and universities.’