STUDENTS from Denbighshire are among an "adventurous quintet" who have refused to let their additional learning needs get in the way of achieving their Duke of Edinburgh award.

Independent Living Skills students Stephen Harrison and Lee Tarmey, both from Dyserth, and Reece Ellison of Rhyl were "absolutely thrilled" to receive their bronze awards from Lawrence Wood, principal of Coleg Llandrillo, at the Rhos-on-Sea campus.

Also receiving their official certificates were Arron Walsh of Denbigh and Conor Fitzgerald of Old Colwyn. All five have now progressed onto the silver award scheme.

Mr Ellison – who also has a 100 percent attendance record - said on the day: “It was a brilliant experience. My favourite part was making a camp fire and sleeping in a tent.”

As part of their Bronze award, the group completed tasks such as volunteering in several beach cleans, working in charity shops and helping staff at the Conwy RSPB .

The students were also required to develop skills including learning chess, photography skills and a musical instrument alongside physical improvement which involved taking part in a variety of sports, and completing an expedition.

After a practice event the intrepid youngsters took on a two-day 20km camping expedition at Llyn Brenig, in the heart of Denbigh Moors, requiring them to carry all of their provisions to the lakeside area, before setting up camp and cooking an evening meal.

Jane Myatt, programme area manager for the Independent Living Skills department, said: “The students have had to overcome so many obstacles and issues and we are extremely proud of their considerable achievements. The benefits of outdoor learning are immeasurable. It is such a difficult award to obtain without any learning difficulties.

“It was literally a life-changing experience for them. They had an opportunity to discover new interests and talents as well as developing essential skills for life and work.