MORE than 20 Duke of Edinburgh's Awards have been presented to Isle of Wight youngsters.

Network Ryde ­— Ryde Town Council’s youth service ­— presented 22 bronze and silver awards during an awards ceremony at Ryde Academy last month.

High Sheriff, James Attrill, presented 20 bronze and two silver awards, and Ryde mayor, Michael Lilley, closed the evening by congratulating all of the young people.

Network Ryde worked hard to support them in achieving success, made more challenging this year due to Covid-19.

During the ceremony, the awardees had the opportunity to share short presentations in their groups, of their expedition experiences.

They talked about their expedition aims, such as looking for local flora and fauna, and shared pictures of their time walking and camping.

Isle of Wight County Press: A group photo of the award winners at this year's ceremony.

This presented an opportunity for the guests at the ceremony to see the behind-the-scenes moments, which were full of wonderful and funny memories the young people will remember fondly for the rest of their lives.

Rebecca Swan, Network Ryde’s youth work manager, said: "We are exceptionally proud of all of our young people who have achieved their awards in the most difficult of circumstances.

"Covid-19 has meant some sections have had to be changed or adapted to fit in with guidelines, and also meant the expedition section was delayed, however it was an amazing experience for all the young people who achieved their awards.”

Bronze awards were presented to Jack Budden, Jake McCartney, Jack Hamilton, Ella Brooks-Pepper, Lillie Ghetty-Evans, Charlotte Fancourt, Pip Johnson, Rosie Johnson, Blake Cotton, Milly Hughes, Talitha Monaghan, Sarah Witherington, James Nettleton, Amber Hunt, Tom Parsons, Sian Evans, Rhys Mundell, Dan Orme, Lily Meredith and Alex Keyse.

Silver awards went to Lily Meredith and Dan Orme.