The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor David Horton, will be presenting youngsters from across the city with their bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Awards, later this week (Friday, January 10).

Over 200 young people between the ages of 14 and 25 have gained the awards in the last year, with 158 achieving bronze, 33 gaining silver and 26 people achieving the highest gold award.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities designed to support personal development. Sharrona Benton, Duke of Edinburgh's Award co-ordinator, City of York Council, said: "The award scheme encourages young people to undertake exciting, constructive, challenging and enjoyable activates in their free time.

"It is fantastic that so many young people from across the city have gained awards."

To achieve the awards, the youngsters must undertake a skill, such as learning a foreign language, physical activity, community work, and a challenging physical expedition. The award scheme is run in partnership with groups in schools, colleges, universities, youth centres and voluntary groups across the UK.