Over 70 young people from across Merton, who achieved their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 2006, will be honoured at Ursuline High School, Wimbledon, on Wednesday, 28 February.

The evening, hosted by two young awardees, will see the Mayor of Merton, Councillor Geraldine Stanford, present the achievers with certificates and badges, earned by completing their awards. It will also include presentations and demonstrations of activities participants have taken part in as part of their awards.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award aims to provide a rewarding programme of personal development, which is of the highest quality and the widest reach. This national scheme provides its participants with the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of leisure activities and skills that are both challenging and enjoyable.

There are over 1,000 young people registered with the award in Merton, each one taking part in the scheme at bronze, silver or gold level by completing four sections; service, skill, physical recreation and expedition (with a fifth, a residential project at gold level).

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is part of Merton’s Youth Service and is available for all young people aged 14 – 25 years living or going to school in the borough. It is a voluntary programme completed in extra curricular time.

Cabinet Member for School Standards & Youth Engagements, Councillor Oonagh Moulton, said: ‘I am pleased to see so many young people in Merton participate and complete such a worthwhile and practical scheme. As well as being a lot of fun to do, the Award is an accredited, nationally recognised scheme which employers and educational institutions find extremely attractive. It is a valuable addition to any young person’s CV or Record of Achievement.’

Principal Youth Officer, Mark Clark, said: ‘ These young people have shown great commitment and effort in completing their Awards, whether at bronze, silver or gold level. The award gives the opportunity for Merton’s young people to learn, grow and develop through their activities and actions. They have all achieved a great deal from taking part in the award and I congratulate them all.’

For more information please contact Rosetta Buahin on 020 8545 3327