A TEENAGER from Ascot has achieved the highest honour in his Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Jack Harley-Walsh, who won the Young Persons Award at the 2016 Pride of Bracknell Awards for his outstanding work in supporting refugees, visited Buckingham Palace on May 17 to receive his Gold award at a star-studded garden party.
Jack, alongside nine of his classmates from St David's College in Llandudno, said completing the award had made him a more rounded person.
Hosting the garden party on behalf of her father the Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Anne spoke with the boys about their expedition and community experiences.
A host of celebrities helped to hand out the awards, including Mary Berry, Frank Skinner, Warwick Davies and Aled Jones.
Jack said: "What a great experience the Duke of Edinburgh scheme is. It expands your horizons, and your experiences do make you a more rounded person. For your Gold you can plan your expeditions and voluntary work anywhere and choose many new skills. I chose chess, hockey, an expedition on the Isle of Man, kayaking, and volunteered in Idomeni on the Greek border supporting the refugees.
"Being at the palace really was a big deal."
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