THREE former Durham High School pupils collected their gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards at a Buckingham Palace garden party. They were presented with their awards by Newcastle United footballer Alan Shearer, who was also invited to the event.

Elizabeth Ledger, Alexandra Bareham and Verity Cockburn completed the service, skills and physical recreation sections of the award, as well as expeditions and a residential project. Included in the expeditions was a trip to Africa.

Verity said: "The award was hard work but great fun. We learnt a lot and developed important skills.

"I recommend the scheme to anyone who enjoys a challenge."