A BARNARDO’S volunteer from Halesowen has been presented with a special award recognising his long-service to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

David Hughes has been supporting young people achieve their DofE Award for more than 25 years and he was honoured during a ceremony at St James’s Palace in London.

The 61-year-old, who continues to support Barnardo’s DofE programmes across the West Midlands by training and delivering expeditions, was presented with his award which celebrates this outstanding commitment.

David, who was handed his award from celebrity presenter Raymond Blanc and HRH The Earl of Wessex, looks after children and young people with disabilities as part of his work with the Great Cornbow-based charity.

Three of the young people from the charity – Liam Hunt, Oran Hunt and Charlie Hayes – also picked up their Gold DofE awards at the ceremony.

During the presentation, HRH took the opportunity to congratulate the group from Barnardo’s on their successes and heard about their DofE journeys through their bronze, silver and gold awards, which took each young person more than 10 years to complete.

Sadie Hughes, Barnardo’s activities in the Black Country team manager, has worked with the young people since they began their DofE Award.

She said: “It’s been a long journey with lots of challenges but it was a proud moment to see them receive their Gold awards.

“We have worked together with the young people, who have shown a great commitment and determination to complete their awards and prove that they can achieve amazing things.”