Volunteering awards

A NUMBER of Shetland’s youths were honoured on Thursday night as they received Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) awards.

A ceremony was held at Lerwick’s Anderson High School to celebrate the achievements of 62 young people who have taken part in the project this year.

The awards, open to people aged between 14 and 25, encourage youngsters to “learn a wide range of skills, to overcome personal challenges and to contribute to their communities”.

Shetland Islands Council deputy convener Cecil Smith praised all those who have taken part.

“I’d like to offer my personal congratulations to all those who have focused their time to achieve a DofE award,” he said.

“We have a thriving DofE programme here in Shetland, and I’d like to thank all those organisations and individuals who have supported DofE participants for their help to make the programme such a success.”

Police Scotland Youth Volunteers have been supported under the scheme this year, while the 1st/2nd Lerwick Scouts and the Army Cadet Force have also helped people attain awards.

DofE awards are spread across three categories – bronze, silver and gold – and they span areas such as volunteering, physical and skills.

Also attending the event on Thursday was Rebecca Raynes, DofE’s operations officer for the north of Scotland.