54 year nine students at Sidmouth College are currently working towards their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. 

Thirteen students have already completed their volunteering work helping the community in care homes, coaching gymnastics, charity shops, youth groups, museums, Girl Guides, community baking, animal welfare, heath conservation, park runs and beach cleaning.  Together they have completed more than 156 hours of volunteering.

As part of their award they need to commit to at least three months of volunteering work, at least one hour per week, to use their skills and experience to help their local community.

Charlotte Forrer, DofE manager at Sidmouth College told the Herald: "We have also had fantastic reports from their assessors commending them on their engagement, proactivity, politeness and enthusiasm.   It's a fantastic opportunity to start giving to others as a focus of their time and to feel the benefit of being an active part of the community.

"Once the whole cohort completes their award they will have given well over 650 hours of valuable volunteering time to our community this year.  If any East Devon charitable or community organisations would welcome some youth volunteers, they can email the college and I can spread the word amongst next year's participants."