Young people from South Ayrshire have painted, hiked and snowboarded their way to recognition at a special ceremony honouring Duke of Edinburgh’s Award achievements.

More than 230 bronze, silver and gold awards were presented at the event at Ayr town hall at the end of February, bringing the total haul of DofE awards given out in South Ayrshire to 678 since 2008.

South Ayrshire now boasts the highest participation and completion rates for Duke of Edinburgh across all 32 Scottish local authorities.

The ranking reflects a year when local secondary pupils taking part were involved in an eclectic field of activities across Scotland, including voluntary work in charity shops, creches and old people’s homes; environmental projects; arts and crafts, and a sailing trip along the west coast to explore remote islands and spot porpoises, whales and seals.

The awards value artistic contributions as much as physical exploits, with one group’s contribution to the Ayr Flower Show’s 50th birthday - a giant interactive display showing blue skies and flowers - proving a particular draw for visitors.

South Ayrshire councillor Hywel Davies, who holds the lifelong learning portfolio, says: “In line with the principles of Curriculum for Excellence, we take a rounded and holistic approach to the education and development of our young people, and this is clearly paying dividends with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.”