Edin in the right direction!

GOLDEN generation: Councillor Knowles, congratulates Sarah Murray, from Crompton House School, watched by other Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award recipients and Youth Mayor Chantel Birtwistle (front left) and Mayoress, Valerie Knowles (front right).

Mayor of Oldham Councillor Richard Knowles has congratulated youngsters from across the borough by achieving the Duke of Edinburgh award.

Participants, who received their awards at a ceremony in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, volunteered in the community, learned new skills, took part in a sporting activity and an expedition over a few days.

Councillor Knowles said: “The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a superb scheme. It helps hundreds of young people to develop a wide range of skills, self-confidence and to put something back into our community.

“They also gain respect and understanding of people from different backgrounds and cultures and a real sense of what is important in developing community spirit.

“Award holders are highly valued by employers and universities as it is a mark of both character and achievement. I hope that more secondary schools and academies in Oldham see the value of joining this scheme.”