MORE than 40 Duke of Edinburgh leaders and volunteers, including those from a Petersfield school, were presented with Long Service Awards at a special awards ceremony.

The eight from, Ditcham Park School between Petersfield and Harting, all received 10-year long service awards.

They were Justin Smith, Robin Auburn, David Chapple, Paul Milner and John Mottershead, all opf whom are DofE trainer.

Also given 10-year awards were Paul Flint: DofE trainer/assessor, and Anne Harris: DofE trainer/assessor/coordinator.

Organised as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Diamond Anniversary celebrations, the certificates were presented by Nigel Atkinson Esq, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire and the President of The DofE Award in Hampshire.

He praised the volunteers for their ‘commitment to the DofE Award in Hampshire - making a difference to the lives of young people undertaking the award, and their communities.

The Duke of Edinburgh Awards are a nationwide leading achievement award, requiring participants to spend time volunteering, learning or improving a skill, taking part in a physical activity and undertaking an expedition with a group of friends.

Completion opens doors to new jobs, cements life-long friendships, broadens interests and stretches horizons.

To find out more about becoming a DofE volunteer, or participating in the Diamond Challenge, see information online: www.hants.gov.uk/dofe-homepage.