A GROUP of extraordinary young people from across North Ayrshire are celebrating achieving the highest possible honour in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.

The gold standard achievements of 14 individuals from the area were honoured during a special ceremony at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh last week.

They joined an elite list of 14-24 year olds from across Scotland who have successfully completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award and who were invited to the royal residence to be presented with their awards by HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex.

On the day, the group shared their experiences of their DofE journeys – which took them between 12 to 24 months to achieve.

Over this time, they have each completed a whole host of activities including volunteering, sports, a week-long residential challenge as well as planning and undertaking an expedition in the country.

North Ayrshire’s 14 young people celebrating their gold achievements this year are: Katherine Mowatt (Arran Open Award Centre), George Doubleday (Ar ran Open Award Centre), Susanna Mowatt (Arran Open Award Centre), Ross Crawford Kerr (Arran Open Award Centre), Alison Provan (Arran Open Award Centre), Shaun Hill (Auchenharvie Academy), Georgia Catton (Greenwood Academy), Rebecca Hale (Greenwood Academy), Jordan Robertson (Greenwood Academy), Lewis Henry (Greenwood Academy), Matthew Gaw (Greenwood Academy), Fraser Wallace (Greenwood Academy), Katie Barlow (Greenwood Academy) and Deynn Bryce (Irvine DofE).

They were joined at the event at the royal residence by members of their family as well as Ian Staples, DofE Manager for North Ayrshire Council.

Ian said: “It was a real pleasure to join this outstanding group of young people as they were officially congratulated for their tremendous efforts. Each and every one of them has put in so much hard work.”