Local organisations have pledged remarkable support for Shropshire's Derwen College Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme amid a £10,000 shortfall.

In 2014, Derwen College became Shropshire's first first educational facility to give students with special educational and disabilities the chance to be part of the award.

Since then, the college has seen 146 Bronze Awards, 116 Silver Awards, and 48 Gold Awards despite the Gold Award costing more than £1,000 per student.

This year, the college faced a shortfall of over £10,000 but the community stepped in to provide support.

"We have had tremendous support from local Freemason lodges, rotary clubs and charities," the college said.

 The cheque from Wynn Developments, gratefully accepted by students Dylan and Megan.  (Image: Derwen College)

This included substantial contributions from Cae Glas Lodge, Fitzalan Lodge, Shropshire Masons Charitable Association, Oswestry Lions Club, Rotary Club of Oswestry Cambrian, and The Wynn Foundation.

Grants were also awarded to pay for specialist equipment through The Shropshire Youth Foundation and Duke of Edinburgh’s Access Without Limits funding scheme.

The Basil Houghton Memorial Trust also made a significant donation to help construct a bespoke outdoor centre for students.

DofE Coordinator, Steve Evans, with students Dylan W (left), and Dylan H (right)  (Image: Derwen College)

Derwen College's Duke of Edinburgh coordinator, Steve Evans, said: "The fruits of these efforts will be on full display on 13 July, as Derwen College hosts its annual DofE Awards Ceremony.

"Every year the ceremony gives everybody involved in the programme the opportunity to see just how much the Award means to the students, and the smiles on their faces are worth every penny."

The college considers its Duke of Edinburgh programme a vital and special part of its holistic approach to student wellbeing.

For more information or to support the programme, please visit www.derwen.ac.uk.