Young people across Fife are excelling in a varied and interesting range of national awards.

That's the view of Fife Council's Education and Children's Services Committee who received the first such report on the subject on August 20, 2009.

Education Officer Alister Hendrie and Community Services Service Manager Duncan Simpson co-authored the document which showed the success of children and young people.

The report explained how many of the awards had an emphasis on skills such as problem-solving or team working and often involved community based activity.

Alistair said: "It is anticipated the awards will continue to play a significant role in providing opportunities for all young people, including those approaching school-leaving age who are following flexible courses."

Duncan said: "Within the basic statistics lie many stories of exceptional hard work, often in adverse personal circumstances. The youngsters are to be applauded for their efforts."

Committee Chair Councillor Douglas Chapman said: "This is great news. It also goes to prove that there is more to a rounded education than just exam passes or getting top marks in formal national tests, however important they may be.

"Many of the skills learnt on these awards are once learnt are retained for life. They will help our young people get into the best universities and open real doors for employment. They can also fuel a passion or a vocation, and in some cases, quite literally be a life-saver!"

Committee members welcomed the report which will be used as the basis for further ones to show progress in this area in the coming months and years.

Among the highlights of the awards achieved in 2008-9 are: 139 Sports Leadership Awards, 88 Duke of Edinburgh Awards, 73 Youth Achievement Awards, 68 National Lifeguard Qualifications, 48 Millennium Volunteer Awards and even 19 Swim Teachers Certificates.

The Committee also asked that Fife Council organise an awards ceremony to recognise the wealth of skills give young people.