FIVE pupils have become the first to collect Duke of Edinburgh awards since their school reintroduced the scheme two years ago.

The year 11 pupils from Branksome School, in Darlington, completed projects in service to the community and physical activity, and followed a personal interest as well as completing a two-day expedition to achieve their bronze awards.

Now the girls, Gemma Parr, Ailsa Brown, Christina O'Neill, Laura Bainbridge and Jennifer Hadland, have set their sights on achieving their silver Duke of Edinburgh awards, which they plan to fit around their GCSEs.

The two-day expedition which the girls undertook was in the Aysgarth and Leyburn area of North Yorkshire. It involved an overnight camp, walking and map reading.

The girls' projects included working with the Guide Association cross-stitch projects, tennis coaching and tae kwondo