Achievers from Bishop Luffa School, Bourne Community College, Chichester Youth Wing, Fordwater School, Lavant House, Manhood Community College, Midhurst Grammar School and Seaford College were all praised at the event in Chichester.

"The achievement of a Duke of Edinburgh's Award at any level shows outstanding commitment," said area co-ordinator Christine Applewhite.

"They have all served the community, in a number and variety of ways, they have all learned new skills, enjoyed some form of physical recreation and gone on a challenging expedition.

"The expedition is often the most fun but also involves carrying everything needed for several days in a heavy rucksack, in all weathers, navigating for many miles over unfamiliar terrain.

"The reality of the expedition is exhaustion and often results in badly-blistered feet."

Gold awards were achieved by a total of 24 youngsters from Bishop Luffa School, Chichester Youth Wing and Seaford College.

Oliver Porter from Chichester Youth Wing gave a talk at the presentation even-ing about the opportunities he had enjoyed undertaking his award.

Mrs Applewhite said participants have stepped outside the ordinary and achieved something very special.

She also highlighted the value employers put on the Duke of Edinburgh's Award because it encourages the attributes they are looking for in potential employees.

"It can also be adapted to meet the needs of almost all young people and many of the pupils of Fordwater School have achieved bronze and silver awards," she said.

"Their leader, Roger Lewis, told how it takes them at least a year to do the bronze, which can usually be undertaken in six months.

"Many of them struggle with walking and so although they may complete their expedition on a tandem bike or a tricycle, for them it is even more of a challenge.

"The Fordwater group have received help from Chichester Harbour Conservancy and Cobnor Activities Centre, and the partnership has reaped huge rewards for the young achievers."

Chairman of the West Sussex awards, Lilian Holdsworth, said constant negative news reports of young people's behaviour paint a gloomy picture of Britain's youth. "But in fact the young people at the award ceremony are the future of this country and the future is bright," she said.