Nine young people from Inverclyde had a party at Holyrood Palace as they received their Duke of Edinburgh gold awards

The programme recognises youngsters who complete a series of self-improvement exercises.

In order to achieve the gold award the pupils had to volunteer for 12 months, complete physical and skills tests, go on a four day expedition and complete other tasks.

Nour Ramadan and Tim Hof from Inverclyde Academy, Niamh Gemmill from Notre Dame, Stephanie Lynch, Kara Gillan, Catherine Lafferty and Jack Deveney from St Columba’s, Rachael McDaid from Clydeview Academy and Aimee Jewell from Cedars School of Excellence were delighted to receive their certificates.

Stephanie, 19, believes the experience will stand in her good stead for the future.

She said: “The skills I’ve gained from doing DofE have helped me with job interviews and getting into university.

"I am currently in Glasgow School of Art studying communication design.”

Catherine added: “The award has allowed me to gain more confidence and develop new skills which I am now taking on to university.”

Nour, 18, said: “The best bits throughout my whole experience would have been through my qualifying expedition.

“I had jumped into this expedition alone and not knowing a lot of the people that were on it.

"Luckily enough, we all got on with each other and shared a barrel of laughs between us all.”

Tim, 18, says he enjoyed the diverse challenges and experiences he received while undertaking the DofE Award.

He said: “I walked with a group in the Scottish Borders for four days, coached hockey with Greenock Morton, played rugby for Greenock Wanderers and volunteered in the Cancer Research shop.

“My Duke of Edinburgh experience has helped me meet new people across the country and helped me learn new skills that I wouldn’t have learnt otherwise.”

Niamh, 17, described the programme as an amazing experience.

She said: “I was challenged and it made me work harder with my team and communicate more as well as learn from other.

“I have been accepted to go to Strathclyde Uni to study international business which I’m really excited about and DofE helped me to make my personal statement exciting and different.”

Aimee, 18, said receiving the award at Holyrood was 'incredible'.

She added: The whole day was so lovely.

“The Earl of Wessex was so lovely and very warm and friendly."

Rachael thanked the DofE team for devoting their time to helping young people through the programme.

Aimee said: "So many of the team have really become like real friends to me over the years participating in the programme.

“It was an honour and a privilege being able to celebrate achieving the gold award at Holyrood with them."

Rachael, 18, encouraged other young people to apply for award scheme.

She said: “It taught me a lot about myself and I would 100 per cent recommend it to anyone."