MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Ilminster attended the final evening of this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards outward bound youth leadership course last week.

For the first time the club had been able to raise funds to send three candidates to be put through their paces.

The week-long course, run by veteran leader Jack Russell, enables young people to gain the skills necessary to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Jack’s team guides those attending through a series of activities and exercises to help them dig deep to unlock their full potential, recognising that each individual is different.

Topics covered included friendship, leadership styles, goal setting, motivation, self-belief and communication.

James White, of Combe St Nicholas, who is studying for a Travel&Tourism qualification at Somerset College, said: “This has been the most inspirational experience of my life and it has given me a different perspective on things.Ihave also met some lifelong friends.”

Holyrood Academy pupil Daniel Clements from Horton said: “I really enjoyed the climbing and abseiling. It was amazing, second to none.

“The most important thing about this week is that I learnt stuff I can’t learn anywhere else.

“It has given me the emotional intelligence and positive mindset to make things happen.”

Places on the course cost just under £600 per student and are much in demand.

Rotary president-elect Linda Vijeh said: “I feel that providing the financial assistance for activities like this is so important that I raised the extra money to send a third candidate as part of my 60th birthday celebrations.

“There’s nothing like helping youngsters get a good start in life.”