Tackling conservation projects and helping the elderly and disabled has earned up to 46 youngsters their Duke of Edinburgh's Awards.

Governor Sir Richard Gozney, as patron of the programme in Bermuda, handed out the awards at a presentation at ACE Limited.

He presented 17 bronze awards, 21 silver and eight gold. The recipients of the gold award are: Sophie Burt, Colin Campbell, Hannah Chadderton, Anna Clifford, Hannah King, Lara Loesher, Emma Norman and Tiffany Sanchez.

Kenneth Bartram, chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Bermuda, said: "We applaud the efforts of all the participants who saw through the challenge, especially those eight Gold awardees, as this is a great accomplishment.

"Each of them would have achieved their respective award by undertaking various physical and community-based activities. Many have worked with children, the elderly, the sick or disabled, while others have tackled a choice of skills such as conservation projects, restoration, and photographic projects, to name just a few.

"The skills and qualities these young people have developed will help them stand on their own two feet and prepare them to be good citizens of the future."

Mr. Bartram added: "Much appreciation and thanks goes to Ralph Richardson, executive director of ACE, and his team for making the day a momentous one."

'The Award' in Bermuda has up to 275 active participants annually. More than 1,600 awards have been presented in the past 12 years, with 192 achieved this year alone.

For more information on the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Bermuda contact 537-4868 or email: dofe@theaward.bm