A UNIVERSITY student returned to her former Darlington school to achieve her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

Katie Miller worked for two years coaching dance, playing volleyball and embarking on gruelling camping expeditions, to be the first to gain the accolade at Branksome Comprehensive School.

The 18-year-old had started her Gold Award training while at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, but was not able to go on an expedition and complete the tasks.

Branksome's Duke of Edinburgh co-ordinator Kay Crossling said she came back to the school and asked if it would run a gold group so she could get her award.

"I obtained special permission from the Duke of Edinburgh office to run the group and Katie is the first from the school to get the Gold Award - we are very proud of her," she said. "She gained her community sports leader award, played for Haughton volleyball club and completed a four-day camping expedition on the Isle of Arran, off the coast of Scotland, in July."

Miss Miller, who is studying sports exercise and coaching science at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: "I'm really pleased to have gained the award.

"It was definitely a worthwhile experience."

She will be presented with the award by a member of the Royal family next year at Holyrood House, in Edinburgh.