A SCHOOL has celebrated 60 years of the Duke of Edinburgh award with a star-studded trip to Buckingham Palace.

To mark the diamond anniversary of the DofE scheme, Year 13 Forest School student Ellen Kirk and her teachers Mr Antony Faccinello and Jacques Moore-Hurley were invited to a royal garden party at the palace last month.

Ellen was one of 1,000 young people presented their awards on the day, bagging her gold award after months of hard work.

Attended by the Queen’s husband Prince Philip, the Earl and Countess of Wessex and a host of other famous faces, the teachers managed not to get too star struck and were very impressed by the interest shown in their school.

Mr Moore-Hurley said: “They were both wonderful, showing genuine interest in the efforts made by Forest and the endeavours of the participants and staff alike.”

Warden Mr Faccinello added: “The scale and dynamism of the DofE organisation in its sixtieth year was plain to see, as it continues to do so much for personal growth and strengthen society too.”

As a registered DofE centre, Forest was also given a ceremonial plaque by London DJ Greg Burns.