Rochdale Freemasons raise money for borough's youngsters to complete bronze Duke of Edinburgh award

Pictured from left to right: John Taylor, District Charity Steward; Ian Sandiford, Deputy Lieutenant for Rochdale; Douglas Smith, Rochdale District Chairman

Rochdale District Freemasons have teamed up with the Lord Lieutenant’s office to help the borough’s young people take part in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.

As part of the planned celebrations of the late Duke of Edinburgh’s life, 1,000 young people from across Greater Manchester will be given the opportunity to complete their bronze level Duke of Edinburgh award.

One hundred young people across the Rochdale borough are involved in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.

As a result, the Rochdale District Freemasons have raised and donated £2,284 to cover the costs of those young people who take part.

John Taylor, District Charity Steward, said the group was “delighted to support the Lord Lieutenant in this excellent initiative.”

Presenting the cheque, Douglas Smith, Rochdale District Chairman, said: “As Freemasons, we aim to help those in need across the community and this will give our young people an opportunity they may not have had otherwise.”

Ian Sandiford, Deputy Lieutenant, added: “This initiative will leave a positive and lasting legacy in Rochdale and I thank the Freemasons for their support.”

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award which sees millions of 14-24 year olds undertake a variety of volunteering, physical, skills and residential challenges over a year alongside youth workers.

Previous expeditions have involved young people camping wild in the mountains of the Lake District and topping the Three Peaks of the Yorkshire Dales while relying solely on themselves and their team.