More than 550 young people are being recognised for their hard work.

Medway’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award youth panel hosted the first of two ceremonies at Rochester Cathedral.

An audience of 300 gathered to hear the range of activities and expeditions undertaken by the bronze, silver and gold award recipients.

Music by Isaac Truzzi-Franconi and the Relevations began the evening with the bronze achievers being the first to receive their awards from Cllr Mike O’Brien (Con), Medway Council’s portofolio children’s services.

Gold achiever Natasha Richards described her voluntary work with the RNLI which included taking part in training routines.

Cllr O’Brien then presented the silver and gold awards including one to his grandson Dan O’Brien.

He said afterwards: “It was so good to see Medway’s youngsters achieving their awards. It was the embodiment of everything good about the young people in Medway.

“The number of people achieving Duke of Edinburgh awards in Medway is higher than ever.It is just going from strength to strength. I’m tremendously proud of my grandson. It was a very special moment.”

Geoff Waters, panel chairman, added: “The DofE Award is a truly memorable and rewarding adventure, which helps young people to learn new skills, enjoy new experiences, build self-confidence and meet new people.

“The panel is most fortunate that despite the current economic climate, there are still a number of forward-looking local organisations that are prepared to invest in young peoples personal development.

“We are most grateful for this support by the University of Kent in Medway and Medway Council.

“Their generous funding enables the DofE Panel, Medway, which is a voluntary organisation, to host this ceremony and provide and maintain expedition equipment for participants to borrow without incurring excessive cost.”

Another ceremony is being held on Wednesday, March 12.

• For a full list of all award winners and more pictures, see tomorrow's Medway Messenger.