Award winners to meet Duke of Edinburgh

THREE of Devon's Duke of Edinburgh's Award winners will have the honour of meeting The Earl of Wessex on Thursday, on the opening day of this year's Devon County Show. Two of them live locally.Natasha Douglas, 17 from Talaton, and Harry Parr, 19, from Seaton, will be presented to His Royal Highness Prince Edward, and be congratulated by him on their achievements.Dillon Hughes, Devon County Council's Principal Youth Officer, said: "These young people are just a small representation of the huge number of participants in the DofE in Devon. "They have all set themselves individual challenges, risen to meet these challenges and are to be congratulated on their achievements, particularly in the commitment they have shown to completing their DofE. "Devon is particularly fortunate in having such dedicated staff and volunteers working with participants in a wide range of settings across the County and their work is also to be acknowledged at this event."Natasha has achieved her Silver Award with St Margaret's School. She has undertaken volunteering work through religious education, developed her musical and sporting talents and went on an expedition on Exmoor which she used to produce some artwork.She will be accompanied by Elaine Clark, who is the leader in the school. Elaine has been involved with the DofE for many years and St Margaret's has a very strong reputation for getting significant numbers of girls through the Award at all levels.Harry has achieved his Gold Award with Kilmington Baptist Group. Currently at Bath University, Harry completed sports leadership coaching for Sidmouth Sharks Swimming Club, driving and road skills, swimming and an expedition to Mount Kenya on foot, with an exploration of the environment and a residential conservation project at Thornbridge OutdoorsHarry will be accompanied by Anna Cope, who is the leader of the group. Anna has worked with the group for a number of years and they have a steady number of young people achieving at all levels.