A Guisborough man has declined an invitation to collect the Duke of Edinburgh gold award he had worked so hard for.

However, Mr David Buckworth, aged 25, has a more pressing matter on his mind - his wedding.

Mr Buckworth is due to marry Miss Sara Blackburn, aged 23, in her home town of Nunthorpe tomorrow, before jetting off to California on honeymoon.

The Duke of Edinburgh presentation takes place tonight at Eston Park school.

He said: "I'm a little disappointed to be missing it, but obviously I've got a few people coming to the wedding, so I'll be spending Friday night with family and friends.

"Later in the year there will be a ceremony at St. James' Palace in London, so I hope to attend that."

Mr Buckworth earned the award through projects that included a canoeing expedition in France, and a week reinforcing the river bank at a National Trust property in the Lake District.

The chemical engineer plans to continue his conservation work with the National Trust and also, in the future, to assist the people who helped him at Guisborough youth club.

He said: "I'd like to help but obviously I'm going to be busy with a new house and a new wife."

l See page 5.