Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Janet Hopton, will present young people from across the York area with their Duke of Edinburgh Awards at a ceremony taking place this Friday (16 March).

The presentation ceremony will take place at The Citadel on Gillygate, where the doors will open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. During the evening, groups of young people will give presentations on working for the good of the community and their expeditions, as well as demonstrating their musical skills to parents, carers and invited guests.

City of York Council's youth service co-ordinates the local Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, which offers an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding programme of voluntary personal development to young people aged between 14 and 25 years. 

The awards encourage young people to provide services to their community and progress towards their personal goals over a period of time. 

At Friday's award ceremony, Bronze, Silver and Gold awards will be presented to young people who have successfully completed a number of themed areas of work, including skills, service, physical recreation and expedition. The award scheme is delivered by a network of volunteers across the city.

For more information about getting involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, visit www.theaward.org. or contact Jordanna Kelly at York youth service on 552350.