SIX youngsters from Chepstow picked up their Gold Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) awards at a glittering ceremony on Monday 22nd December.

The girls from 1st Bulwark Rangers, part of Chepstow Guides, were presented with gold brooches to mark their completion of the prestigious award. The DofE was set up by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1956 with the aim of helping young people to develop life skills and fulfil their potential.

Melanie Brown, 20, Rhian Bethell, 20, Victoria Redwood, 19, Naomi Buckley, 19, and Rhiannon White, 18, all celebrated their achievement at a ceremony at Bulwark Community Centre.

The sixth recipient, Eleanor Campbell, 19, was also presented with a certificate and brooch to mark the completion of her Queen's Guide Award – the highest award in guiding – by the county commissioner for Girlguiding Gwent, Sue Kirby.

Eleanor is the 11th member of the Bulwark-based Ranger group, which is for girls aged 14 to 25, to achieve the Queen's Guide Award.

Chepstow mayor Councillor Ned Heywood presented the gold brooches in front of an audience of parents and nine other Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver award recipients.

In March, the girls will travel to London to be presented with their certificates at one of the royal palaces.

The award is open to young people between the ages of 14 and 24 and is recognised by universities and employers around the UK.

To achieve Gold, the girls spent up to two years completing sections in volunteering, physical fitness, skills, an expedition and a residential trip away from home.

For their expeditions, the girls spent four days walking and three nights camping in the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons.

Their residential stays included trips to Finland, Birmingham and Oxford; volunteering with the National Trust and Brownies; and attending a Rotary Young Leader course.

Since September 1995 dozens of girls have achieved 164 Duke of Edinburgh Awards through 1st Bulwark Rangers.

Bulwark Ranger leader and Duke of Edinburgh adviser for Girlguiding Cymru, Chris Hutchinson, said: "It takes a great deal of commitment to achieve these awards at the same time as studying for exams and these girls have all shown that they have the skills to manage their time and work as part of a team.

"I am incredibly proud of their determination and enthusiasm."