Golden girl Caroline earns Duke of Edinburgh award

Caroline Edgington, 20, was among the six pioneering pupils of Fordwater School to complete the bronze, silver and gold awards of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. She received her certificate in a ceremony at St James's Palace in the presence of the duke.

Special needs pupil Caroline said: "The gold award was difficult because we had to do so much physical activity, which was a big challenge for me because I have problems with my balance and co-ordination.

"But I really enjoyed being with all my mates and it was still a great laugh.

"We had a fantastic activity week in France for our big expedition and were totally, but happily, exhausted when we returned."

Caroline, of Wyde Feld, who also has speech and language difficulties, took three years to complete the three awards.

Her group from Fordwater worked closely with the Chichester Harbour Conservancy on various projects.

This included making a film of its work and its volunteers as part of their gold award.

In addition, Caroline was sponsored by Chichester Rotary Club to sail aboard the Jubilee Sailing Trust's training ship, Lord Nelson, on a five-day voyage around the south coast.

Caroline climbed the mast unaided on the journey which included a visit to France.

She is putting all she learnt from these achievements to good use at the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy in the New Forest.

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