A GROUP of five former Nelson and Colne College students have been presented with their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards at a palace celebration.

Elspeth Adams, Holly Matthewman, Rachel Paiton, Kate Whitaker and Aamir Shah were invited down to St James’ Palace in London to receive their awards from Prince Edward.

The Gold Award requires each student to complete a year of volunteering, a physical and skills section; one of 12 months and the other section for six months; an expedition of four days and three nights and a shared activity in a residential setting away from home for five days and four nights.

Holly, who is now in her second year at the University of Bath studying psychology, is preparing to go to Boston in the USA for her placement year.

She said: “I found the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award a really good experience and I have made lifelong friends through it.

“For my residential, I went out to India and taught English and maths which I really enjoyed and I have gone back since then and have done the same thing in Thailand as well.

“Employers really value the Duke of Edinburgh Award as well because the skills you learn on it are so well rounded.”

Rachel, who studied BTEC art and design at NCC, is now at the University of Huddersfield doing graphic design.

She said: “I did my volunteering in a local play group in Nelson.

“The expedition improved my team working skills.”