Young people awarded their Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards

Young people presented with their awards with Gail Hopper, director of children's services and the Mayor of Rochdale

Hundreds of young people from across the borough were awarded their Duke of Edinburgh’s awards at special ceremony.

The Gracie Fields Theatre played host to a special awards evening which saw 200 young people given their bronze and silver awards by the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Ian Duckworth.

The young people from across the borough have worked hard in a range of activities over the year to successfully complete their respective Duke of Edinburgh’s award.

The evening was organised and hosted by young people from Oulder Hill School who were successfully completing their volunteering section of the silver award. Adventurer Alice Taylor was guest speaker at the event and she shared inspirational stories about her experience of cycling from New Zealand to Nepal. The audience was also entertained by young people’s dance, singing and musical performances.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award, giving millions of 14 to 24 year olds the opportunity to be the best they can be. They achieve this through a variety of volunteering, physical, skills and residential challenges. The challenges build confidence, fitness and skills in young people to set them up for later life. The whole course, no matter the award level, is designed to help them push their own limits, discover new talents and support their local community whilst making new friends.

Gail Hopper, director of children’s services at Rochdale Council, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a fantastic award for young people to work towards. It provides a wide set of challenges and will give them skills that will be invaluable in later life as well as providing opportunities to have a fantastic time with friends. I would encourage all young people in the borough to consider getting involved.”

At the ceremony Helaina Stone, Rebecca Bradley, Rowanne McBride and Laura Knowles also received their gold awards after completing this significant challenge supported by the council’s youth service at the Open Award Centre.

They will go on to receive their certificates at Buckingham Palace later this year.