INVOLVEMENT in the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award scheme has been met with unanimous praise by students of the Bay CE Secondary in Sandown who received their bronze awards.

Tributes have been paid internationally to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, following his passing on Friday (April 9) at the age of 99.

Now his legacy continues in the sterling work of the DofE Awards and the generations who have benefitted and continue to benefit from taking part.

The programme, a recognised mark of achievement respected by employers, has run in recent years at the Bay through the Open Centre, supported by Mrs Senad Adams and Mrs Carol Tavernor, the award officer for the Isle of Wight.

Not only does the programme provide an opportunity to discover new interests and talents, it is also a tool to develop essential skills for life and work.

Megan White, head student, said: "It gave me the skills to work effectively in a team, become familiar with the surroundings and be able to use the compass to navigate safely in areas I had never been to before."

Carol Tavernor, Duke of Edinburgh Awards officer for the Isle of Wight, said: "I would like to add my congratulations to the Bronze DofE achievers.

"They spent more than a year volunteering in the local community, improving their skills in a physical activity, and learning more about their chosen skill.

"All learnt a lot about themselves - and navigation - during a two-day expedition exploring the Island before lockdown.

"I hope they will go on to engage with the Silver level."

Receiving their Bronze Awards were: Abi Cleaver; Kelly King; Emily Rackett; Jack Smith; Jack Coles; Darcey Mitchell; Beth Rideout; Josh Sunnocks; Chloe Cohen; Ciaron O'Gorman; Damia Roberts; Abi Swinscoe; Joshua Langan; Mia Patterson; Paige Robinson and Arren Warner.