Almost 400 take strides with this year's Duke of Edinburgh programme

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A total of 396 young people have achieved Duke of Edinburgh awards across Aberdeenshire during this school year. 255 Bronze, 102 Silver and 39 Gold awards have been achieved across the 18 Duke of Edinburgh Centres in Aberdeenshire.

As well as being a huge achievement for the participants, this is also a great accolade for the staff and volunteers who support the programme locally. Gold award participants in particular demonstrate outstanding commitment to the programme by participating in 12 months of volunteering, completing 6-12 months of learning a skill and going on a four-day expedition as well as a five-day residential. None of this would be possible without the staff and volunteers there to support them.

There has been a huge increase in Gold achievers this year and every one of them will be invited to Holyrood to pick up their award.

Duke of Edinburgh team leader Susi Mclarty explains: “Well done to all of those who have taken part this year – it is great to see how much they all get out of this experience. We’re also hugely grateful to all of the volunteers who give up their free time to allow young people across Aberdeenshire the chance to benefit from it all. We are always looking for new volunteers so please get in touch if you would like any more information.”

The Duke of Edinburgh programme broadens horizons, skills and friendships. It is a fun and rewarding journey where young people can grow in confidence and become more independent by taking part in education and employment opportunities as well as getting fit and learning new skills.

For more information, email awards@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or visit the team’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Duke-of-Edinburgh-Aberdeenshire