ESSEX County Council has been presented with a special Duke of Edinburgh award, after its participants clocked up more than 23,000 hours of volunteering time in just one year.
The figure, which equates to more than two and a half years and is valued at almost £86,000, is among the highest in the country and was accumulated by young people who carried out a variety of activities in their communities.
Councillor Ray Gooding, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “I am very proud to be associated with such a hardworking county, filled with young people willing to give up their time to benefit others.
“The Duke of Edinburgh Award continues to be successful in offering volunteers the chance to build confidence at a key time in their development – while making a positive impact on other people’s lives.
“I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this incredible effort and encourage anyone considering participating in future to do so.”
The Duke of Edinburgh award sees young people carry out tasks to gain an extra-curricular qualification.
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