Some of Norfolk's brightest young stars were celebrated at a special reception at Sandringham.

Fifty-nine of them have earned Duke of Edinburgh's Gold or Basic Expedition Leader awards, by taking part in gruelling expeditions, learning new skills and volunteering to help charities or their local community.

A further 21 had earned the D of E Awards Scheme's Basic Expedition Lead Award, which qualifies them to coach future you people through the scheme.

Award winner Robert Allison, from Downham Market, said volunteering - coaching young tennis players and helping the elderly had changed his outlook on life.

'Nothing could have prepared me for the effect the volunteering and learning new skills would have,' he said.

Ellen Gowler, who began working towards her award at Marshland High School, at West Walton, helped organise an event which raised £1,347 for Reach For A Star, a charity for terminally-ill children.

Matthew Simpson, from Theford, took part in an expedition to Bratislava, where he tracked the movements of wolves through the forests.

Awards were presented by paralympic archery bronze and silver medalist Mel Clarke, who grew up in Taverham.

'We're here to celebrate you going through the highest Duke of Edinburgh Awards,' she told the winners.

'Use this award on your CVs. The experience you've gained doing these awards is invaluable.'

Lady Romney, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk, said winners had carried out more than 10,000 hours of community service in the county.

'It brings out the best in young people, volunteering,' she said. 'The award is unique, you are unique - it's extraordinary what you've done.'

Rosalie Monbiot, chair of the D of E Award in West Norfolk, said: 'What amazing stories we've heard tonight.

'It's heart-warming to hear that there's such marvellous work going on around the county with our young people.'

She added the awards were a valuable addition to a young person's CV, showing that they were prepared to go the extra mile.

Trevor Forecast, trustee of D of E West Norfolk said: 'We talk to a lot of employers and they say that's what decided it, when they saw the D of E gold award on their CV.'

Award winners and their families celebrated their achievements with a marquee reception.