A DATE at Buckingham Palace capped a remarkable few months for a high-flying student with ambitions to be a pilot.

Chris Stappard, 17, of Wolsingham, received the highest Boys' Brigade award from the Queen at a Royal Society of Arts ceremony. He earned his Gold Badge by completing a series of tasks with the 2nd Consett Company of the Boys' Brigade, where he has been a member for nine years.

His sporting achievements played a major role in his success. A talented sprinter, he has been Durham County schools' 200 metres champion for the past four years and inter-county champion for three.

He also played in the basketball team at Wolsingham School and Community College which won the national under-19s championships in May.

Chris, who lives near Tunstall Reservoir, said: "It was a brilliant day. I never ever thought I would get to meet the Queen. She chatted with us as a group and then with each of us individually. She was very interested in what we had done."

Chris hopes to join the Royal Air Force and train as a pilot when he leaves school next summer.