A STUDENT has spoken of the ‘amazing moment’ when she received her Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. 

Alexia Lopez, who completed the scheme while at Barrow Sixth Form College last year, received her gold award at Buckingham Palace.

Alexia, who is now studying physics with astrophysics at The University of Central Lancashire, was selected to represent Cumbria in the ceremony and she met the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip.

The teenager completed a number of expeditions in the Lake District, volunteered in the music department at St Bernard’s Catholic High School and achieved her grade eight music theory with distinction at sixth form as part of the award.

Alexia said: “It was an amazing experience, to be able to go to Buckingham Palace was really special. 

“Prince Phillip came up to us and asked if we were from the same area, I said ‘no sir, different areas, I’m from Barrow in Furness.

“I would say to anyone thinking about Duke of Edinburgh to 100 per cent do it. It will be the most rewarding experience of your life. It gives you key attributes and life skills, communication skills and the skills to work as a team that you will have for the rest of your life.

“The people you are with, you’ll be with through thick and thin all helping each other, there is nothing else like it.”

Alexia combined her time at Barrow sixth form completing the Duke of Edinburgh alongside A-Levels in maths, further maths and physics.

She was joined at Buckingham Palace by her father Nestor, also a former sixth form student.