The streets of London were paved with gold recently as FIVE cadets from 1220 (march) Sqn attended St. James’s Palace, London to be presented with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. 

Flight Sergeants Alex Ogden and Simon Foster along with Sergeant Lauren Arnold found themselves in the magnificent setting of St James’s Palace - a  fitting conclusion to the hard work, determination and perseverance required to achieve this award. They were joined by Daniel Woods and James Lyttle who completed their wards with 1220 but have since left. 

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh was at the ceremony and took time to personally chat with many of the participants. Their awards were presented by  Katharine Carpenter, BBC London news reporter and presenter. 

Each of them undertook a number of tasks to achieve their award covering Volunteering, Physical achievement and learning a new skill as well as a 5 day residential section. 

Their 4 day 3 night  “wild country” expeditions took place in the magnificent setting of the Lake District a very distinct contrast to the flat Fens of Cambridgeshire. The route, covering some  20km each day over rocky, mountainous terrain took them across such notable peaks as Helvellyn along the way. 

Five will soon become seven as Sergeants Daniel Lowe and Stephen Pugh have now completed the awards and are awaiting their invitations to St James’s.