A teenager has been given a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award after 18 months of work.

Elizabeth Ogundiya, 19, from Loughton, attended St James's Palace in London on Thursday (February 26) receive a certificate from Prince Phillip.

The medicine undergraduate gained a distinction at Grade 8 for the viola and volunteered at the Leonard Cheshire Disability Home in Cheltenham.

The 19-year-old also completed a five-day expedition in the Brecon Beacons, where she learned skills such as mountain navigation, water collection and camp crafts.

Elizabeth said: “During my volunteering I had to be able to think on my feet very quickly, and I had to respond very quickly also when fellow team members were injured during the expedition. 

"The experience has boosted my confidence and I have become more aware of my abilities. 

"I also learned to be supportive to my colleagues, boost morale, and we had to prop each other up to achieve our joint goals.

"Doing the Duke of Edinburgh award has helped me to challenge situations and be more flexible."