Six youngsters from the Basildon district have achieved gold Duke of Edinburgh awards after taking part in a wide range of volunteering activities and exciting challenges.

A young man from South Woodham Ferrers was also given an award at the special ceremony. The winners were:

Katherine Cooke of Fairfield Rise, Billericay, who took part through Billericay School. She helped a Brownie pack and travelled to Uganda for her challenge

Amanda Howell, of Prince Edward Road, Billericay. She also got involved through Billericay School and travelled to Uganda, but she worked as a church steward to achieve her award

Victoria Morris, of Stansted Close, Billericay, took part through the Wickford Award Centre. She helped children with special needs and travelled to the Apennine mountains in Italy

Shelley Birch, of Valentines, Wickford, was encouraged to take part by Bromfords School. She was involved in a conservation project on Studland National Trust nature reserve and toured Dartmoor on foot for her challenge

Louise Cross, of Hyde Way, Wickford - also of Bromfords School and a Dartmoor traveller - worked at the Bradwell Outdoor Centre

Lisa Watson, of Hyde Way, Wickford - again of Bromfords School and a Dartmoor veteran - got her award by working as an assistant activity leader.

David Newby, of Crouch Beck, South Woodham Ferrers, became involved through William De Ferrers School. He worked at the Bradwell Outdoor Centre and took the Brecon Beacons challenge.

The young people were entertained by fellow youngsters, the Basildon vocal group Diversity.

Published Tuesday, January 7, 2003

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