YOUNG people from all over Bexley have been going for gold over the past year.

Nearly 150 have been working towards their Duke of Edinburgh awards and former British sprinter and Olympic coach Mike McFarlane was at Bexley's civic offices to present the awards.

The young people worked for their awards through centres based in schools and youth centres across the borough. Altogether, 116 received bronze awards, 17 achieved silver and Katie Key, Selina Liow and Clare Henry were presented with gold awards.

There was also a chance for the audience, which included parents, councillors and council officers, Wayne Wreglesworth, the London regional officer for the Duke of Edinburgh's award scheme, and Bexley mayor Chris Ball, to hear about some of the activities the award winners undertook as part of the scheme.

Liva Pye spoke about working in Cancer Research shops, while Adam Stent and Roger Trevena described how they planned their Webtec shop, which opens soon in Bexleyheath.

Clare Henry faced real bears on her gold expedition to Canada and Laura Howe explained how she was involved in a football refereeing course. Louise Griffin also performed a keyboard recital.

For information about award centres in Bexley, call Tony Ball on 01322 527176.

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