TWO children have followed in their dad's footsteps and achieved a famous Gold award 35 years after him.

Jonathan Longstaff, 60, of The Green, Woodford Green achieved his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award in 1977 and was given a chauffeur driven ride in the Mayor of Walthamstow's car to Buckingham Palace.

His two children, Elizabeth, 25, and Nathanael, 20, were awarded their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award's yesterday (July 3) at St James' Palace by the Earl of Wessex.

Mr Longstaff said: "It was a very worthwhile thing to do and quite an achievement. Riding in the Mayor's car was absolutely wonderful."

His son, Nathanael, said: "It was quite nerve-racking having the seventh in line to the throne talk to me.

"My final expedition was quite hairy.

"We canoed about 80km down the River Severn, we had so much rain that the river rose by three metres in front of our eyes. Our instructor was on the brink of calling off the expedition."

Mr Longstaff added: "I am so proud of both my children for persevering and achieving the award."

The Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award comprises four sections - skills, service, sport and an expedition - and takes about five years to complete.

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