Duke of Edinburgh visits Barnard Castle

The Duke of Edinburgh joined young people in Barnard Castle this week, to celebrate their personal achievements through their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – and to commemorate the charity’s 70th anniversary by planting its newly-cultivated rose. 

In his role as DofE charity patron, the Duke visited TCR Hub, which offers DofE to young people who can’t access the award through school or college.

The visit got off to an energetic start with DofE participants demonstrating their fitness skills in TCR Hub’s open-air gym – and later, navigating the centre’s high ropes, showing great teamwork and risk management skills.

The Duke also saw a canoeing demonstration from TCR Hub’s own DofE participants.

Whilst in the grounds, the Duke helped participants from The Oaks Secondary School – an additional needs school in County Durham – plant the DofE charity’s new 70th anniversary Youth Without Limits rose.

The students spoke to the Duke about doing horticulture for their DofE volunteering and skills sections and they were delighted that by planting the DofE rose, the Duke officially “put down roots” in County Durham.

During his visit, the Duke presented a certificate of thanks to the Hub’s DofE manager, Rachel Elliott.
Jackie Bull, director of UK operations at the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said: “Over the last five years, more than 38,500 young people started a DofE Award in the North East, giving more than 510,400 volunteering hours, worth more than £3m.

“It has been incredible to see some of those young people here today, demonstrating the vital skills they’ve developed through their awards and being recognised for their achievements personally by the Duke of Edinburgh.”

More than 7,200 young people started their DofE in the North East  between April 2025 and March 2026.

In the same period, DofE participants gave more than 118,500 hours of volunteering in their communities, valued at over £896,500.   

When taking part in DofE awards, young people aged 14-24 choose activities in four sections: improving a physical and skills activity, volunteering for a cause of their choice, and completing a demanding expedition.

The awards aim to inspire young people to grow in resilience and self-belief, discover new talents and passions, and develop human skills for life and work.