A group of intrepid youngsters has completed the silver Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The seven 17 and 18 year olds, from the Halstead Senior Youth Members, were Harry Barrett-Smith, Danni Rulton, Megan Rhodes, Alex Reid, Emily Stokes, all of Halstead, Ricky Keen, of Shalford, and Matthew Wigley, of Earls Colne.

The Halstead Senior Youth Members is a new youth club starting up in Halstead, aiming to give young people something to do.

It was set up by the parents of the children who are currently members.

The award is given after undertaking a physical activity, perfecting a skill and volunteering for a year as well as a three day expedition.

They took part in the expedition, which they paid for themselves through fundraising £2,000 between them, in Maes Y Lade, Wales last week.

The team would like to thank The Ramsey Academy, Halstead for the loan of their mini bus to go to Wales and also C L Autos of Acton for sponsoring the fuel cost to Wales.

Colchester Institute pupil Alex Reid, 17, of Meadow Close, Halstead, said: “It was a struggle but it was good fun.

“It was nice to spend time with friends and I want to do the next level, which is the gold award.

“We were lucky that we had nice weather for the first two days, but on the last day it rained so we got wet and some people got a bit grumpy.”

To find out more about the group, call Brian on 07710806853.