Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards (DofE) students at Derwen College have received a generous financial boost from members of Oswestry’s three Masonic Lodges.

St Oswald Lodge, Fitz Alan Lodge and Cae Glas Lodge worked together to raise £2,000 to support students at the specialist college in Gobowen, helping to fund students at the college for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities, providing equipment, transport and support for their DofE expeditions.

Cae Glas Lodge made a donation of £1,000, and St. Oswald Lodge and Fitz Alan Lodge made a donation of £500 each to the college.

The money will be used to fund the students to go on expeditions and residential activities which are part of the award challenge.

Expeditions include students navigating their way through the Snowdonia Mountains and taking part in residential activities such as canoeing, rock climbing, and abseiling on the shores of Lake Coniston in the Lake District.

Derwen College has a very successful Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards programme. Last year, 60 learners from the college completed their awards at Bronze, Silver or Gold, while this year, the college is well on the way to equally great achievements.

Pete Adams, secretary of Cae Glas Lodge, said that the three lodges felt it was important to work together to support Derwen College students.

He said: “It’s great the Lodges can work together to support such an important initiative.

"Talking to students, it is clear that they gain so much from their Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards experience. We love to hear their stories of challenges and adventure.”

Steve Evans, sports coordinator at Derwen College, believes it is well deserved.

He said: “We are proud of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards programme we run at Derwen College.

"The level of commitment needed from the students, parents and college staff is immense; without the continued generous financial support of groups such as the Masonic Lodges, paying for the equipment, away days and transport would be incredibly difficult.”