FIVE young people from Darlington have received gold Duke of Edinburgh awards from Prince Philip.

Lucy Mears, Lucille Bradey, Sam Chesterton, Emma Watson and Victoria Booth, travelled to Holyrood House, in Edinburgh, to receive their awards.

They worked for six years to achieve the Gold award standard, completing tasks in the areas of skill, service to the community, physical recreation, expedition and residential.

Two other Gold award winners, Sarah Tate and Abigail Wilson, were unable to attend the award ceremony.

The group took part in activities including a turtle project in Costa Rica, expeditions to the Pennines and canoeing around Derwent Water.

They also helped at a youth club, held charity fundraisers and helped produce a talking newspaper.

Emma Watson, 21, who has Down's Syndrome said: "Doing the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award was a great way to make new friends, learn new skills and gain more confidence."

Apart from Victoria Booth, who achieved her award at Polam Hall School, the group went to the Darlington Open Award Centre, run by Darlington Borough Council's Youth Service.

For more information about the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme in Darlington, log onto www.darlington.gov.uk/evibe or call 01325-362957.