More than 100 youngsters received their Duke of Edinburgh's Award yesterday.

The Award's Patron, Governor Sir Richard Gozney was joined by Premier Dr. Ewart Brown and the Mayor of Hamilton, Sutherland Madeiros, in praising their achievements at City Hall yesterday afternoon.

The Awards involved community activities, such as working with children, seniors, the sick and disabled, as well as learning new skills such as conservation, restoration and photography.

And sport also played a role, with participants taking part in games such as football, netball and athletics.

A spokesman for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Bermuda said: "We applaud the efforts of everyone who saw through the challenge, especially for those gaining the Gold Award as this is a great accomplishment.

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

"For over 40 years now, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Bermuda has provided an enjoyable, challenging, rewarding, free programme of personal development for 14 to 25-year-olds."

He added: "The Award Programme has also enabled those over the age of 25 to become involved by volunteering and providing their time as Award Leaders, Assessors and other important roles. And so this Award Ceremony is also a public celebration and recognition of the work and time they have given these young people to achieve their goals.

"Our goal now is to see more young Bermudians take up the challenge."

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award began in the UK in 1969, and over the years has grown in popularity throughout the Commonwealth. It is estimated that more than six million young people in 120 countries have taken part, with 500,000 at any one time participating in the scheme.

The Award scheme has three levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold, each of which has four areas: Community Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journeys. Gold participants also take part in a Residential Project - such as overseas charity work.

For more information, contact 537 4868 or log onto: www.theaward.bm