More than 70 Faringdon Community College pupils received their Duke of Edinburgh's Awards at the school's recent presentation evening.

The pupils, their families, and staff gathered to celebrate the 54 pupils who earned a Bronze Award and the 17 who achieved a Silver Award.

The school's resident writer, Matt Dickenson, presented the pupils with their certificates and badges as he shared his experiences of expeditions to Mount Everest.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award manager at Faringdon Community College, Diane Timpson, said: "Between April 2023 and March 2024, Faringdon Community College Duke of Edinburgh's Award participants completed 2,288 hours of volunteering in the community, which equates to a social value of £12,080."

Headteacher Jonathan Dennett added: "Completing the Duke of Edinburgh's Award embodies the Faringdon Community College values of Belong, Believe, Aspire and Achieve, and these students have embraced every aspect.

"We are proud of all that they have achieved, in particular their great contribution to our local community."

To earn their Duke of Edinburgh's Awards, young people aged 14 to 24 chose activities in several sections - improving a physical and skills activity, volunteering for a cause of their choice, and completing a demanding expedition.

The scheme is designed for participants to have fun, build their resilience and self-belief, discover new talents and passions, and learn practical skills to help them in future.