A special award ceremony took place last week for 36 young people from Wharfedale who have completed silver and bronze Duke of Edinburgh awards.

Parents, councillors and youth service managers attended the awards, which were given out by Councillor Khadim Hussain, Lord Mayor of Bradford, and Neil Forrest, Duke of Edinburgh Regional Director for Yorkshire and Humber.

Bronze awards were presented to 23 young people from Burley-in-Wharfedale and Menston, and 13 young people received silver awards after they completed four demanding sections: a skill, a physical activity, volunteering and an expedition. They also organised the awards ceremony itself and each spoke about what they had achieved.

Councillor Hussain said: “I want to congratulate all these young people who have worked so hard to complete their silver and bronze awards. It’s a real achievement of which they should be proud.”

One of the awards recipients, Anwen Smith, said: “The award has brought about so many opportunities for me which have really helped my confidence. I have attended area committee meetings, applied for funding, been on a residential and had lots of fun.”

Mr Forrest said it was a privilege to give out awards and see how young people have grown as individuals.

“Young people have to work extremely hard and show commitment and determination to achieve an award,” he added.