The DofE awards were presented by Thornbury mayor Helen Ball at a ceremony at The Chantry in Thornbury on Thursday, January 8. Each participant had successfully completed a set of challenges including a skills section, a volunteering element and a demanding expedition, to gain their awards. Ms Ball said: "It was lovely to meet the young people, dedicated leaders and proud family and friends. She also shared that she had achieved a gold DofE award in her youth and still considers it a very proud achievement. Gold standard DofE recipients are invited to Buckingham Palace.