PEOPLE across Bolton are being invited to take part in a Diamond Challenge to celebrate 60 years of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

The University of Bolton is spearheading the challenge, which lasts until the end of December, urging people of all ages to take part in a personal challenge – whether it’s to run 5k, learn to swim or just face their fears.

Professor George E Holmes, the University’s vice-chancellor, explained that since it began “the scheme has provided inspiring and challenging experiences for young people, helping them to develop essential life skills.

He said: “The Diamond Award provides an opportunity for all those who have not engaged in the scheme to do so now, however late in life, and benefit equally.”

The university has committed to 1,000 students and 100 staff taking the Diamond Award. Along with local people, this would create the biggest cohort in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme worldwide.

Added Professor Holmes: “We hope to welcome the Duke himself to the university to present participants with their Diamond Pin award. We need everyone to get behind this initiative and benefit from a great D of E experience.”

Karen Openshaw is leading the Diamond Challenge at the University as CSR programme manager. She stated: “There’s no limit to what you can do – big or small, if it’s a challenge for you, it counts.”

“You just need to register with the Duke of Edinburgh Diamond Award Scheme and add University of Bolton in the title bar on the JustGiving page or contact me at k.openshaw@bolton.ac.uk .”

To take part, people need to pledge to raise a minimum of £60 for the scheme.

This now runs in 144 countries and over the years has helped millions of young people to gain confidence and achieve.

These are young people like 18 year-old Charles Sandbach from Little Lever who said: “I believe that the Duke of Edinburgh Award has been one of my greatest benefactors in making me a more rounded individual. This is through its teachings on the importance of teamwork, perseverance and also, when necessary, self-reliance.”