SIX determined youngsters have been presented with special certificates after completing as much of their bronze Duke of Edinburgh awards as possible this year.
Jessica Dean, Shannon Crawford, Lily Wright, Tiggy Johnson, Lydia Swinburn and James Cuthbert were working towards their awards when the pandemic struck.
To achieve their bronze awards three challenges covering skills, physical and volunteering must be completed.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the group was unable to complete an expedition.
Alison Mawer, Duke of Edinburgh leader, said the group had continued to meet up, virtually and she was really proud of the work all had put in.
She added: “This is a new certificate because of the Covid restrictions that are in place and because they haven’t been able to do their expedition.
“But they have completed every other aspect of the scheme and we wanted to make sure their hard work and determination was recognised.
“Expeditions will be scheduled when restrictions are lifted and then they will gain their full bronze awards,” she added.
Volunteering in normal times sees many youngsters helping out with various charities and youth groups.
However, with stay at home notices for much of the year and social distancing restrictions in place, this year’s cohort have helped out closer to home.
Jessica, Shannon, Lily and Tiggy helped tutor siblings in various subjects during lockdown.
Lydia, from Cotherstone, helped organise the village’s socially distanced carnival parade and James volunteered to keep his family fed, whipping up a variety of meals each week.
Rachel Tweddle, chief executive of The Hub, said: “I am so proud of all the hard work they have put in and they have been fantastic to keep themselves motivated throughout.”
