HUNDREDS of young achievers from across the country were at James’s Palace to receive their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

They included five girls from St. Helen’s School, Northwood, accompanied by headmistress Mary Short, andDavid Froggatt, leader of the school’s DofE programme.

Isobel Cotterell, Katherine Makris, Roshni Patel, Tammy Samuel and Zafirah Kalla received their demanding Gold Awards from the Earl of Wessex.

The Gold Award Presentation (GAP) is a celebration and recognition of Isobel Cotterell, Katherine Makris, Roshni Patel, Tammy Samuel and Zafirah Kalla’s achievements in completing their Gold Duke of Edinburgh programme. The GAP is a unique event and a fitting culmination to mark the hard work, determination and perseverance required.

The St Helen’s girls worked through the five sections of their DofE programme over nearly two years.

Activities included working on an archaeology dig, playing tennis, improving their musical skills and an arduous expedition in the Brecon Beacons.

“Next week, our first gold expedition abroad takes place, as a team of girls and staff leave for Malawi,” said head teacher Dr Short.

Patricia Hodge, one of the school’s ‘old girls’, was at the school last week to formally open the new million pound ‘Centre’ at St Helen’s, as well as to present prizes at the annual speech day.

The Centre, previously a gymnasium, has been transformed into a multi-purpose venue for the performing arts and sport.