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Duke of Edinburgh Award success celebrated

Published: 04/12/2017

Over 200 young people from across Flintshire recently received their Duke of Edinburgh Awards at a ceremony held at Springfield Hotel near Holywell. The Duke of Edinburgh Award was founded by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in 1956 and is the worlds leading achievement award for young people. It offers a voluntary, non-competitive programme of activities for young people aged 14-24, there are three levels of the award - bronze, silver and gold. Each contains four sections - volunteering, skills, physical and expedition - and takes from six months to achieve bronze and a minimum of 18 months to reach gold level. The gold participants also undertake a residential activity. Gary Williams, Duke of Edinburgh Award Development Officer at Flintshire County Council (FCC) introduced the evening and the certificates were presented by Claire Homard, FCC Interim Chief Officer Education and Youth, Diane Aplin, Director, WeMindThegap; and Ann Roberts, FCC Senior Manager Integrated Youth Provision. Entertainment was provided by Rebecca Owen and Charlotte Roberts from St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School The student hosts for the evening were Amelia James from Ysgol Maes Garmon and Grace Thomas from Connahs Quay High School. Claire Homard said: “I’m delighted to be here tonight to join in the celebrations and help present these awards. It is encouraging to see so many young people taking part in this really worthwhile scheme which can only enhance their lives and their future career opportunities. Well done to all of you!”