A TWO-day camping expedition was just one of the challenges completed by a group of young people working towards a national award scheme.

The group from Testbourne Community School’s Duke of Edinburgh scheme were recognised for their achievements at a special presentation evening.

Those who took part in completing the award spent two days in the New Forest where they mastered a full range of outdoor skills including map reading, orienteering, first aid and cooking.

They also completed three other sections for the award which required them to learn a new skill or physical activity, and volunteer their time.

Participants had met this challenge through a variety of activities including helping at youth groups, improving musical skills, and even learning to drive a tractor.

Representatives from local organisations who had given financial support to the group attended the awards evening.

Ruth Beasley, headteacher at Testbourne, in Micheldever Road, said: “Our new Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme group has had a fantastic first year, and we are grateful to everyone who has helped.

“Our generous benefactors have donated more than £2,000 since we started, which has been used to pay for lots of training and equipment, which will benefit the group for many years to come.

“We are also grateful to our volunteer leaders who worked with the children to support them and, of course, we are very proud of the participants who have shown hard work, dedication and commitment in achieving this award.”