Youngsters get ‘royal’ awards
SCORES of young people from across the borough were awarded their Duke of Edinburgh awards at special ceremony.
The Gracie Fields Theatre played host to an awards evening which saw 200 young people given their bronze and silver awards by the Mayor of Rochdale, Coun Ian Duckworth.
The youngsters have worked hard in a range of activities over the year to complete their respective awards.
The evening was organised and hosted by young people from Oulder Hill School who completed 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.
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.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award, completed by millions of 14 to 24 year olds.
If you would like to get involved in the Duke of Edinburgh award, either as a participant or as an adult volunteer contact the youth service rochdale.gov.uk/ youthservice or youth. service@rochdale.gov.uk.