A March student has gone for gold by completeing her Duke of Edinburgh award.

Cadet flight sergeant Chanel Ogden, of 1220 (March) Squadron Air Training Corps, was presented with her award at St James’ Palace.

To earn the award Chanel completed five sections which included volunteering in the community, playing cricket with March Town women’s team and learning a new skill.

Chanel said: “The final parts of the gold expedition were very hard, however, to receive my award at St James’s Palace has definitely made it all worthwhile.

“I would definitely recommend to anyone who has the opportunity to do a Duke of Edinburgh to make the most of it and do it!”

Chanel also completed a residential section by spending a week away from home, which was completed at Stanta in Suffolk.

The final section was a four-day expedition in the Lake District.

Before the presentation of certificates HRH the Duke of Edinburgh took time to chat with the award recipients and their guests.

Joining Chanel was Levison Wood and her mother Angela Ogden.

Ex-cadet sergeant Joe Williams was there to receive his award, after he completed his Gold before “ageing out” from the air cadet organisation when he turned 18 last year.

Nine more cadets are completing their Gold Duke of Edinburgh award in 2015, a record breaking number in one year. For more information on the cadets visit www.1220atc.org.uk.