FUTURE leaders have been given a boost after being selected to join a prestigious development programme.
Barnard Castle School students Carl Jones and Kira Meikle have been chosen for development under the Rotary Youth Leadership Award.
The 16-year-olds will attend a summer camp in Middleton-in-Teesdale with others from across the North where they will undergo a host of team-building activities designed to hone their leadership skills.
Six candidates from Barnard Castle School completed applications and underwent interviews by members of Barnard Castle Rotary Club.
For Carl, of Hamsterley, the selection offers him a chance to develop skills which will serve him well in his dream career in the police force.
“This will help me next year with senior roles in school and also with my rugby,” said Carl, who plays back row for Bishop Auckland Colts.
Kira added: “This is a real honour, a great opportunity and a privilege. It will certainly help me as I would like to be a management consultant helping companies solve their problems and develop their businesses.”
Careers advisor Caroline Shovlin said: “The Rotary Club initiative is great in recognising the potential leadership qualities of our students which it then builds upon.
“It will also be good for Carl and Kira to interact with other students from across the region and the actual application and interview process has already provided them with invaluable experience which will serve them well in the future.”