Maidenhead & Windsor

A trio of "golden girls" from Maidenhead are among the latest clutch of Royal Borough youngsters to rub shoulders with royalty as they celebrate top honours in the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

The successful threesome all completed their gold awards at the borough's Outdoor Education Project based at Castle Hill Centre in Maidenhead.

Caroline Lander (18) and 19-year-olds Nicola Steven and Ailsa Harris have each worked their way up through the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels of the popular award scheme.

They are among 11 young people from across the borough who will be heading for St James' Palace in London in the coming weeks to receive their coveted certificates.

Other high-achievers in the popular award scheme include pupils from Claires Court School in Maidenhead, St Mary's School, Ascot, Heathfield St Mary's School in Ascot and one independent candidate.

To qualify for their gold award, young people aged between 17 and 25 have to spend at least 18 months volunteering in their local communities, learning a new skill, achieving at a physical activity, planning and undertaking an expedition and spending five days away from home working on a special and constructive project.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, said: "These presentations are a very special occasion for all the young people involved – and something they will remember for the rest of their lives.

"Every one of them has worked long and hard to achieve this success and should be very very proud of their commitment and enthusiasm which has helped them achieve their goals.

"I hope that these successes will inspire more young people to take up the challenge of working towards the Duke of Edinburgh award - which really is a unique opportunity for young people to grow in confidence as they learn new skills and make new friends at the same time."

For further information about the award contact the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's Award Co-ordinator Catherine Hurst on 01628 796478.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead