Two local teenagers have been describing their week at Grafham Water on a Rotary Young Leadership Awards Course.

Katie McGill, 19, a former pupil at Ivanhoe and Ashby Schools, was joined by Bethany Bradford, also 19.

Both were involved in the week which took place in August last year - and they spoke about their experiences at an event held at Ashby Bistro earlier this month.

Bethany, the first speaker, said: "Within a week my whole life had been changed. 

"The course was intensive and achieved the planned outcome. I had an amazing time, pushing myself to try new things. I was disappointed to leave and if I could go and do it all again I would. It was the best week of my life!

"The course has given me confidence that I didn't know I had and the ability to deliver presentations, both qualities that have helped me to progress in my job."

After leaving King Edward's School in Coalville, she was employed in reception at Mander Cruikshank Solicitors in Coalville. 

Bethany describes one of the activities on the course

Since completing the RYLA course, she has been promoted to be a paralegal and has enrolled on a law course to further her career.

Katie is currently at York St John University, studying English Literature and creative writing. 

She said: "I had little knowledge of what the RYLA course entailed but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. 

"Like Bethany, my presentation skills have vastly improved through the confidence-building support provided by the course tutors."

Both girls remarked on the friendships they had made and also the team-building aspects of many of the activities during the week. 

They thanked the Rotary clubs for giving them this unique opportunity that they had found most valuable.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a leadership development programme run by Rotary for young people. 

Katie runs through the various items she took part in

It is a week-long intensive course that enables them to push themselves and to develop life skills whilst gaining confidence in building and maintaining relationships in both their personal and professional lives.

While RYLA is a worldwide initiative, each Rotary District organises the venue and programme. Local candidates aged 18-26 were selected and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ashby de la Zouch, Ashby Castle Club and Coalville Belvoir Club at no cost to the candidate or their family.

MC for the evening, Rotarian Ruth Andre-Evans, congratulated Bethany and Katie for the professionalism of their presentations. 

She also reminded the audience to recommend young people to apply to Rotary for a place on the RYLA course which is an annual event.

Applications should be made to Rotary Clubs by young people themselves, their parents, teachers or employers. There is no cost to them.