Kilwinning pupils have been praised for securing their bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh awards despite all the difficulties during the pandemic.

Youngsters at Kilwinning Academy were presented with their certificates earlier this month after securing the awards despite neverending lockdowns.

A spokesperson for Duke of Edinburgh North Ayrshire said: “Massive congratulations to all Kilwinning Academy participants on achieving their Bronze and Silver Awards during 2020/21, not letting the pandemic stop them achieving.

“Huge thanks to Mr Butterworth and all the leaders for their hard work during a difficult year!”

A spokesperson for Kilwinning Academy said: “We are so proud of our DofE students who have passed their Silver and Bronze awards this year despite adversity.”

The Duke of Edinburgh Awards helps young people build life-long belief in themselves, supporting them to take on their own challenges, follow their passions, and discover talents they never knew they had.

The scheme supports a range of organisations including: schools, colleges, youth groups to run programmes for their young people – eventually achieving bronze, silver and gold awards.