Voluntary Contribution Award, presented by Merv Rees on behalf of the Ark

THE reason why the winner of the Voluntary Contribution Award was a worthy choice could be seen with his plans for the day after the ceremony.

Dan Du-heaume heads up the Duke of Edinburgh Awards programme at Brighton Hill Community School, in addition to his standard teaching timetable - he is a PE teacher and the Head of Year 7.

The weekend after the awards, he was heading off on an excursion as part of the awards scheme, having to get up bright and early on Saturday.

Speaking after receiving the award, Dan said: “It feels really good - really unexpected but I feel great.

“It is nice to feel appreciated but ultimately I do all this for the kids and this award is for the staff, it is for the other volunteers running Duke of Edinburgh.”

One of Dan’s award nominations read: “Dan puts hours of effort, prep and production into the running of this club and the success is seen year on year, with the school being voted one of the top providers for DofE in the county.

“He lends out tents, bags, sleeping bags, roll mats and cutlery etc. Meaning that the cost for our students is minimal. His enthusiasm for the programme is second to none and in the past year has had three new members of staff pass as Bronze leaders to help him out.” Another nomination read: “The opportunities given to the students ensure that they get the most out of the award.”