YOUNG people across Basingstoke were honoured for their achievements in a number of challenges at a presentation evening last month.

From volunteering to learning a new skill, young people taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award were recognised for their hard work and commitment to the scheme which aims to give youngsters the chance to develop life skills and to fulfil their full potential.

The annual presentation evening was held at Cranbourne Business and Enterprise College, in Wessex Close, and saw 134 people gaining their bronze, silver and gold awards.

The award scheme offers young people between the ages of 15 and 25 the chance to take part in a range of challenging tasks and to complete activities in four sections – volunteering, physical, skill and expedition.

Young people at the Basingstoke presentation evening came from groups across the borough including the Old Basing and Basingstoke Open Centres, the Basingstoke West District Scouts and a number of secondary schools including The Costello School, Brighton Hill Community School and Bishop Challoner.

Dame Mary Fagan, the former Lord-Lieutenant for Hampshire, presented the 120 bronze, 13 silver and one gold awards to those attending on the evening.

Kath Davies, secretary for the Basingstoke local award committee, said the show went very well.

She told The Gazette: “Dame Mary Fagan was very interested in every person and tried to make it very personal for everyone.”

She added: “It is something that is good to put on their CV.”