A 50 MILE mountain trek and strenuous games of rugby helped Martin Birrel's quest for gold.
The 20-year-old from Lowton is seen with his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award after successfuly completing a series of challenges.
Walking in the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland and playing rugby league for the University of Sunderland helped Martin's top achievement through Leigh Independent Award Centre. Driving and first aid courses were also part of the award schedule.
Martin was one of 300 young people from Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North of England to achieve Gold standard.
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