It is an award that so many young people aspire to achieve – and many young Barrovians have been recognised for securing Duke of Edinburgh gold and silver awards over the years.

In 1986, thirteen south Cumbrians were among the 300 winners of the Duke of Edinburgh gold award attending a ceremony at St James’ Palace.

The young people had taken part in a wide range of activities that took place over 18 months.

South Cumbria winners included nine apprentices from Vickers and Barrow, and four girls who had just left the sixth form of Lakes School in Windermere.

Activities ranged from gruelling five-day expeditions to working with the handicapped and elderly people.

Among the more unusual hobbies were a local historical survey by Mark Bailey, of Summit Avenue, and bugling by Paul Douglas, of Ayr Street, Barrow.

At Lakes School, Emma Tongue of Parrock Cross, Cleabarrow, Windermere, did music and singing while Michelle Davidson of South Craig, Bowness, played the flute.

In 1989, four Barrow youngsters had struck gold.

After nearly two years of hard work, Matthew Todd, Robert Garforth, Steve Wilson, and John Ashcroft managed to earn their Duke of Edinburgh gold award.

They received their badges from the mayor of Barrow, Councillor Steve Smart, at the town hall and later took a picture with him.

Soon after, three of them went to visit London to receive their award in person from Prince Philip at St James Palace.

They had all previously won their silver and bronze awards.

In 1995, an Ulverston secretary was able to rub shoulders with royalty when she collected her Duke of Edinburgh gold award.

Tamara Atkinson, 19, of Meadow View, attended a garden party in the grounds of Buckingham Palace in July.

She had to compete tasks in several categories including physical recreation.

She also became a qualified life guard, worked with horses, and spent a week on an expedition in the Cairngorms.

The award was created in 1956 by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and has since expanded to 144 nations.