More than 170 young men and women will receive Duke of Edinburgh Awards at a ceremony today and in celebration of Bermuda's 400th anniversary, organisers hope to have 400 of the Island's Award Alumni attend the event.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is earned by undertaking various physical and community-based activities, including sports and volunteer work. There are three levels of the award, each requiring more work and a greater commitment.

Of this year's 173 recipients, 113 are receiving bronze awards, 49 are receiving silver awards and 11 are receiving gold.

The awards themselves will be handed out by Governor Sir Richard Gozney, and a special performance will be given by gold award holder Ms. Samantha Smith.

In the awards' 40-year history on the Island, thousands have received the award in Bermuda, and internationally over 500,000 are actively participating. Over six million have participated worldwide in more than 120 countries.

Alumni, along with friends of the award, are invited to attend the awards ceremony at Camden.