TWO years after achieving their Duke of Edinburgh gold awards four young people have finally received their certificates at special ceremonies at Buckingham Palace and Holyrood Palace.
Last month, Elizabeth Ryan and Victoria Simpson travelled to Edinburgh to receive their certificates, while Chloe Morton and Josh Mawer opted to receive theirs at another ceremony in London.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme was introduced in 1956 and participants progress through their bronze and silver awards before culminating in the gold award.
All four attended training sessions for the award scheme at the TCR Hub, Barnard Castle, completing five sections including volunteering, physical, skills and finally an expedition prior to lockdown.
Alison Mawer, Duke of Edinburgh Award co-ordinator at the TCR Hub, said: “You get lots of people doing bronze and then a few drop out at silver and it is a special thing really for those who do go on to gold.
“They have to do different skills including volunteering and for gold they have to complete a five-day residential placement.”
She added: “The idea is that they sort the courses out themselves so it builds confidence to do things themselves.”
While Josh helped out at an outdoor activity centre at Kielder Forest, Chloe travelled down to Dorset assisting with outdoor pursuits and Elizabeth spent her time at Blackpool Zoo helping keepers and staff.
