AUCHINLECK pupils enjoyed a practice walk for their DofE before schools were suddenly shut down amid coronavirus

The Auchinleck Academy pupils took a trek up Cairn Table on a breezy day earlier on in the month.

The younsters enjoyed the training, which was in preparation for completing the Bronze level of their Duke of Edinbugh award, before schools were suddenly shut down.

The Scottish Government announced that schools and early childhood centres should close from 5pm on Friday, March 20.

14 to 24-year-olds can do a DofE programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

There are four sections to complete at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold.

They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and, for Gold only, working with a team on a residential activity.

Any young person can do their DofE – regardless of ability, gender, background or location.

Achieving an award isn’t a competition or about being first but all about setting personal challenges and youngsters pushing personal boundaries.