Five young men took a big step toward rehabilitation yesterday by receiving Bronze Duke of Edinburgh awards at Government House.

And the five are thought to be the first inmates to receive the awards, beating out a group in Hong Kong.

Governor Thorold Masefield congratulated the five, all inmates at the Prison Services' Co-Educational Facility in St. George's, for completing the scheme's programme over the past year.

The ceremony was attended by Public Safety Minister Paula Cox, Youth and Sport Minister Dennis Lister, and Prisons Commissioner Edward Dyer.

The young men -- Saje Nearon, Samuel Riley, Andre Tucker, Al-Rashid Ebbin, and Teekai Rawlins -- were supported by their families while Duke of Edinburgh scheme officials looked on.

Mr. Masefield said: "I am pleased with the outward and visible signs of their desire and success. I am pleased with their achievement. Well done. You really are pioneers.'' He thanked the young men's parents and instructors and particularly thanked Mr. Dyer.

Mr. Masefield added that Prince Philip saw the early stages of the scheme in his visit to the prison last year and had wished them all well.

"I think the Prince was very, very impressed with the degree of earnestness and initiative shown,'' he said.

Lawrence Trimingham, chairman of the scheme in Bermuda, said he was also pleased with the young men's success and added: "I know there are others at the Co-Ed that want to do it now.'' "This is a fantastic story,'' Mr. Trimingham continued. "These five young men have had a difficult start and have come to this. It's terrific!'' Mr. Dyer was pleased as well -- even relaxing Prison rules and allowing the young men's faces to be photographed.

"I'm impressed that they were able to earn the Bronze medal and I know they are well on their way toward getting Silver medals,'' he added. "This programme has had my wholehearted support from the beginning.'' The young men completed skills training in such fields as mechanics, air conditioning, computers, carpentry and gardening.

They also took part in physical training, including soccer and boxing taught by former professional boxer Troy Darrell.

Other projects included the maintenance of the grounds and buildings of the St. George's and Pembroke rest homes and a 15-mile hike and overnight camp.

Organisers said they owed a debt of gratitude to former prison counsellor Dr.

Michael Burkhead who came up with the idea.