Young people across Havering will have the chance take part in the tough Duke of Edinburgh awards, from September.

Havering Council will be re-launching the scheme on an open access basis - this means it will operate from a youth centre, most likely the Robert Beard Youth House, in Hornchurch - and will be open to all young people in the borough, not just pupils at its schools.

A spokesman said: “The council has remained keen to find a way to run the scheme to benefit all young people, giving them the chance to gain skills and accreditation and will be able to offer young people the chance to complete a higher level of the award.”

Many of the borough’s schools run the scheme to a bronze level.

In its new format, the council will be able to offer youngsters the more challenging and rewarding silver level, as well as supporting schools to provide this.

The Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme has four categories; volunteering, skills, physical and expeditions and three levels of completion, the basic level of bronze leading up to the more advanced silver and gold.

Cllr Paul Rochford, cabinet member for children and learning, said: “I am delighted that we are able to re-launch the fantastic Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme. It is a great chance for our many talented young people to build on their skills and experiences.”

Any young person who previously started to complete the awards will be able to finish their accreditation once the new scheme re-launches.