FORMER Runcorn students have received their gold Duke of Edinburgh's awards at St James’s Palace in London.

Eleven former pupils from Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy were presented with their gold certificates and badges at a special ceremony.

Head of sixth form Scott Fenner was invited as a special guest and head of year Zaina Porschke attended as a marshall.

This allowed both teachers who co-ordinate the Duke of Edinburgh's award to share in the students’ success.

Paralympian gold medal winners Sophie Thornhill and Helen Scott who achieved their dream in the 2016 Rio Olympics and have both recently received MBEs in the 2017 New Year’s Honours were guests of honour.

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex spoke to the two Runcorn teachers about their students’ success.

HRH was interested to hear about some of the opportunities and challenges students had tackled.

Daniel Ayres spoke about completing his residential during a school trip to Kenya.

Alice Graham described her work with Camp Project Wales.

Holly Godden gave details of the different foreign languages she had learnt.

Johnny Shaw and Sam Kendrick entertained HRH by relating some of their best memories of an expedition on a sailing trip.

Mr Fenner said: “I would like to congratulate the gold cohort, Daniel Ayres, Danielle Stoba, Sarah Penketh, Alice Graham, Johnny Shaw, Sam Kendrick, Zoe Thornhill, Joshua Hewitt, Holly Godden, Katie Filkins, Hayley Bray, Lewis Roberts and Jack Shields Roberts.

“They were a truly dedicated and amazing bunch of young adults to work with.”

PE teacher Miss Porschke added: “They worked so hard to achieve their gold award and we are all extremely proud of them and everything they achieved along the way.

“It was an amazing day and I am sure they will never forget it.

“All of the students and their guests thoroughly enjoyed the day and felt very proud of their achievements.

“Well done to each and every one of them!”