By VIVIENNE NICOLL

HUNDREDS of young people from Glasgow have been presented with Duke of Edinburgh Awards at a celebration in the Royal Concert Hall.

A total of 447 young people received an award resulting in a record 757 awards being achieved through the city council this year – up 43% on last year.

Organisers say the local authority has worked hard to widen participation of young people across the city with more than half of those who gained an award suffering barriers to participation.

Duke of Edinburgh Awards are widely acknowledged as the world’s leading achievement award for young people aged between 14 to 24.

They are presented for volunteering, learning a skill, getting fit or planning and undertaking an expedition in wild countryside.

Chris Cunningham, the council’s spokesman for education, skills and early years, said: “The DofE Awards are an amazing opportunity for our young people -particularly some of our more vulnerable young people in the city – to acquire life changing skills that will benefit them in both their professional and personal development.

“I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the awards for their commitment and determination in achieving either their bronze, silver and gold awards. This is a very worthy achievement.”

Jill Miller, director of cultural services at Glasgow Life, said the partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards helps to transform hundreds of young lives each year.

She added: “The passion and commitment of the young people and our staff is inspirational.

“Meeting new people, meeting new challenges, learning skills that last a lifetime, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards allows our children and young people to truly flourish.”

Rachel Holloway, who received a gold award, joined the programme seven years ago when she was 21.

She said: “This award proves you can think on your feet, go out of your comfort zone and work hard in a team and independently to reach a goal.

“I’ve met some wonderful leaders and participants along the way which has made the experience even more enjoyable.”

Barry Fisher, director of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards in Scotland, said it was amazing to see the growth in achievement this year.

He added: “We are working hard to close the achievement gap for young people with barriers to participation and Glasgow’s success in this area is a real credit to the council’s Duke of Edinburgh team.

“The young people have much to be proud of in achieving their DofE awards and it is my hope the skills they develop by taking part stand them in good stead in their future endeavours.”