FIVE year 11 Wolverley students have been working hard this year to achieve their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. Demi McMahon, Ellie McLoughlin, Nathan Cope, Tom Harrison and Hannah Kelly completed sessions at the gym for their physical recreation, volunteered on local nature reserves and learned about bushcraft for the skills element of the award.

Their final task was to spend the weekend walking from Bridgnorth to Bewdley, plotting their way with the use of Ordnance Survey maps and setting up camp.

“It was pretty tough going at times,” said Ellie, “and we were all shattered at the end of it, but it was well worth it. We felt a fantastic sense of achievement when we finally limped in to our destination at Bewdley.”

The five students were presented with their award on May 22 at a ceremony at Kidderminster Youth House, in front of a gathering of their proud family and friends.

“They’ve all worked really hard for this award,” said Ms Staten, who helped to organise the activities. “It’s been great to see their self-confidence grow as they completed the different stages and the fact that some of them are now considering pursuing their Silver Award shows how much they have gained from the experience.”