Youngsters from across Cambridgeshire gathered in Huntingdon to celebrate gaining their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards.

A group of 19 youngsters, accompanied by their parents and other guests, attended the event at Hinchingbrooke’s Performing Arts Centre on January 3.

They were presented with letters of commendation from the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Hugh Duberly.

Several of the recipients gave speeches about their experiences, which included activities in the UK as well as New Zealand, Malaysia, France and Namibia.

To achieve a gold award, young people have to take part in a physical activity, pursue a personal interest, spend a minimum of 12 months volunteering, complete a four-day expedition and take part in a residential experience, which can all take up to five years to complete.

The final stage of the awards is a trip to St James’s Palace in London later this year where they will be presented with their certificates from Prince Philip and Prince Edward.