A GROUP of schoolchildren from Caldicot have become the first in Wales to complete a new award scheme backed by Prince William.

He sent a letter of congratulations to the pupils from Caldicot School and Castle Park Primary School as they did the final challenges in the Junior Prince's Award.

The award, for nine-to-11-year-olds, aims to develop confidence, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

The youngsters have worked alongside former military personnel through the charity Skillforce.

In a message read by Skillforce chief executive Ben Slade, Prince William said: "As royal patron of Skillforce I would like to congratulate all of you for completing the first Junior Prince's Award programme in Wales.

"By giving up your time to work on various projects and challenges you have all developed the important skills of teamwork, discipline and responsibility.

"I hope you are enormously proud of what you have achieved in earning this award."

The last two challenges involved building a bridge and trying to stop water escape from a leaky pipe.

Parents were on hand to watch as the 16 youngsters completed the last challenges.

Castle Park pupil Logan McGregor said: "I've enjoyed it – there was a lot of teamwork and a lot of resilience needed but we got along very well and we managed to get through it.

"The water challenge was very hard – I got soaked, lots of people got soaked trying to stop the water coming out."

Head of Castle Park, Kay Ford, said: "It's been really good for the transition to secondary school and has helped them become more independent and confident individuals."

Susan Gwyer-Roberts, the head of Caldicot School and a Skillforce ambassador, said: "Caldicot School is delighted to be the first secondary school in Wales to have eight Year Seven pupils completing the Junior Prince's Award this term.

"In partnership with Castle Park Primary School, we have invested in a joint project to engage both pupils and their parents in a programme that enhances the development of a wide range of skills and personal qualities and supports the life chances of these youngsters as they seek employment in the world of work."

Skillforce has also been working with older pupils on a range of oppportunities to "re-engage" them with learning.