A GROUP of young people have completed a special programme which encourages them to chase their dreams.

Students from Glenmoor and Winton Academies in Bournemouth and St Aldhelm's Academy in Poole were the stars of a ceremony in The Marconi Lecture Theatre of Bournemouth University on Wednesday (JUL6), which was attended by their families and members of the Jon Egging Trust.

Civic dignitaries such as the Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Eddie Coope, and Mayor of Poole, Cllr Xena Dion, were also present for the charity's Blue Sky Programme Youth Engagement Initiative graduation ceremony.

Kaye Jackson, Dorset youth liaison officer for the Jon Egging Trust, said: "We held the graduation to celebrate the achievements of the Jon Egging Blue Skies level one programme with students from Glenmoor and Winton Academies and St Aldhelm's Academy.

"It has been a real privilege and pleasure for me to work with the young people since February, who have all been absolutely amazing."

After speaking about their achievements on the various parts of the programme, the young people were presented with certificates to mark their achievements. The 28 students, who are all around the age of 13, took part in workshops and challenges for the initiative, which focuses on teamwork and leadership skills. These included an inspiration day at MoD Boscombe Down and tested their navigation and orienteering skills at Moors Valley Country Park, learning about teamwork and communication at Cobham Aviation, presentation skills at HMS Victory and archaeology at Wessex Archaeology.

The Jon Egging Trust was set up in memory of the Red Arrows pilot who died at the end of a display at Bournemouth Air Festival in August 2011.

It was co-founded by Ft Lt Egging's wife, Emma, his mother, Dawn, and his colleague Squadron Leader Ben Plank.

The charity aims to realise his dream of helping young people overcome adversity, identify their strengths and work towards their ambitions.

During the programme, the students are guided through problem solving, teamwork, and communication tasks which will provide them with credits towards a BTEC qualification in Workskills.