Milestone for award stalwart.

A PENSIONER who has dedicated years to helping young people is celebrating a landmark anniversary.

For the past 50 years volunteer Eric Skipsey has supported more than 400 teenagers through their Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE).

As treasurer and secretary of the County Durham DofE committee, the 75-year-old has supported many leaders with the necessary funding to help them gain outdoor qualifications.

Paul Hebron, positive activities manager for Durham County Council, said: "This award has been a large part of Eric's life.

"He has put an enormous amount of time and effort into making sure young people from all walks of life have access to the DofE programme and his personal successes should be celebrated."

In the past Eric, a grandfather and retired teacher from Lanchester, has been heavily involved as a DofE assessor, helping set up an expedition panel ensuring young people were safely equipped when on an expedition.

For more information about the award, contact Sue Turnbull on 0191 383 9178.

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Publication:	Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England)
Date:	Feb 10, 2011
Words:	163
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