YOUNGSTERS from the Malvern’s Boys’ and Girls’ brigade were presented with their Duke of Edinburgh awards.

Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, was invited to present five gold and four bronze awards to award recipients.

The youngsters, who are all members of Malvern’s Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade, were given the awards at a ceremony at Malvern Theatres.

Mrs Baldwin said: “This is the third time that I have been asked to present the Duke of Edinburgh awards to the Malvern Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade and it’s always an inspirational start to the year for me.

“It is an amazing achievement for so many people to earn their awards and pleasing to see them taking up jobs and studying locally.

“The Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme is a great challenge and having chatted to the recipients, it is clear to me that they have found the activities really useful preparing them for the challenges of adult life.”

Brigade secretary Paul Hern said: “I would like to thank Harriett for attending and presenting our awards, and also Malvern Town Council and Worcestershire county councillors for their financial support, which was critical to the success of the youngsters, especially at Gold Level.”

Duke of Edinburgh awards is a youth achievement award given for volunteering, physical activities, life skills and expeditions.

It was set up by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1956 and aims to help young people develop personally and become more employable.