HUNDREDS of school pupils and college students across East Lancashire are taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

But what exactly are they up to?

The award is aimed at offering young people constructive leisure-time activities which challenge them and give them the opportunity to serve others, acquire new skills,, experience adventure on an expedition and make new friends. Youngsters can join up from the age of 14.

It encourages responsibility, self-reliance and perseverance, and has three levels -- bronze (from age 14), silver (from 15) and gold (from 16).

Most young people access the award through their schools, colleges or youth organisations. After 41 years the award is flourishing.

In Blackburn and Darwen, for instance, organisers say that proportionally there is the second highest level of participation in the North West, with more than 800 young people currently involved.

Recently, the council's Education and Lifelong Learning Department opened a Duke of Edinburgh's award centre, and Blackburn College, Queen's Park High School, Witton Park High School and Bank Hey Special School have all entered the scheme by this route.

Bank Hey special support assistant Diane Dougan said: "We are determined to give our pupils the opportunity to prove themselves through the award."