OVER the summer Blaenau Gwent Youth Service supported six young people from Pen Y Cwm School as they took on the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award on an expedition to the Ardeche region of the French Alps.

The group of 16 - 19 year olds travelled to the French Alps where they spent four days canoeing down the Ardeche River, covering 20km a day.

The expedition was led by qualified instructors from Parc Bryn Bach and the intrepid group were also accompanied every step of the way by their teacher, Angela Cuttell, from Pen Y Cwm School.

Despite the challenges and the long days, the group from Pen Y Cwm were triumphant and will be invited to St James Palace in London where they will receive their Gold Award certificate from either HRH the Duke of Edinburgh or HRH the Earl of Wessex.

Darya Brill-Williams, head teacher of Pen-y-Cwm School said of the achievement; “I am immensely proud of these young people and the staff who support them to achieve such amazing feats.

"Our youngsters are a delight; their commitment, determination and willingness to explore their potential in unfamiliar situations and circumstances is commendable.

"They are a credit to the school and to the award scheme.”