More than 40 young people were warmly congratulated by Governor Thorold Masefield this week as winners of Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

In a short ceremony at the temporary Government House, "Malabar'' in Dockyard, Mr. Masefield shook hands with each bronze and silver medal winner.

There were 33 bronze medal winners, ten silver, and one gold medallist Nicola Francis of Saltus Grammar School, whose award was accepted by her sister.

After presenting the medals, Mr. Masefield thanked the proud parents and teachers, saying: "I thank you as parents, family or as teachers for your part in encouraging these young people in a difficult and arduous process.'' He added: "It prepares them for adulthood and I hope they have found it rewarding enough to try for the next reward.'' Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme Bermuda, Lawrence Trimmingham and his deputy, Norman Pogson, assisted Governor Masefield. Saltus students took home 27 bronze awards while Warwick Academy and Berkeley Institute students garnered six and two respectively.

The silver medal winners were: Jason Cabral, Matthew Durrant, Michelle Outerbridge and Graham Smith from Saltus, Melissa Grant, Natasha Rowling, Diarra Smith and Yannis Williams from Berkeley Institute.

Ashanti Caesar, Keiva Maronie and Leticia Trott attend Warwick Academy.

Nicola Francis is abroad in school and her sister Mya accepted her gold medal.

To receive an award, the young people must complete many hours of volunteer work, develop a skill, take part in a physical skill, and complete an expedition.

This years awardees participated in a variety of activities including; Candystriper, Leo Clubs, the National Trust, and Riding for the Disabled at Windreach.

Their skills and physical activities included drama, dance, cycle maintenance, music, golf and martial arts.