FUNDING awarded to Sir James Smith’s School in Camelford by the local Co-op store will be going towards its Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award scheme.

The DofE Award helps young people develop essential skills for life and work. Through the programme young people have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem and build confidence. They gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive. Sir James Smith’s offer DofE to Year 9 and Year 10 students and it has seen some real positive change over the years. 

A school spokesperson said: “Co-op have very generously chosen our school as one of their charities. With the funding, we plan to increase the DofE equipment store to enable a fully inclusive programme to all our Y9 and Y10 students.  

“Tents, stoves, mats, compasses, maps, waterproofs are just a few items needed for their expedition and we’d like to be able to build our store and loan this equipment to relieve some of the financial costs to parents.”

£200 was presented to the school towards the DofE awards via the Co-op community fund.

Sir James Smith’s School has been chosen as one of the three local causes for the Co-op’s membership scheme along with Delabole Skate Park and St Breward Guides.

A Co-op spokesperson said: “Please help these charities by becoming a Co-op member and then 2p in every pound you spend on Coop products will go towards one of those charities of which you can choose.

“Also by becoming a Co-op member you will also receive 2p  on your card for every £1 you spend on Coop products as well as many other regular member offers.”