Forty young people from Norfolk have been presented with the highest accolade in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme -the gold award.

Fewer than 100 of the 1800 young people who sign up to do the gold award in Norfolk each year go on to receive it.

Youngsters must successfully complete a range of different disciplines, taking part in an expedition, volunteering and developing skills.

And they must commit to the scheme for at least 12 and possibly 18 months, spending at least an hour a week on their chosen activity.

Among the young people picking up the awards in Norwich last night from Lady Knollys, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, was Rachel Ward, 19, from Carbrooke, near Watton.

She said: 'It's very enjoyable and it's very good for your CV, which is important now with so many people out of work.'

Rachel Grove, 19, from Downham Market, worked with the Cats' Protection League in Stowbridge, near Downham. 'It was a definitely a good thing and has given me confidence,' she said.

Meanwhile, Thomas Mutungi, 19, from Tacolneston, near Wymondham, said: 'It was really good. It was a bit of a challenge and it took me two years to do my gold award. It's fun though, and you meet lots of interesting people.'

Joe Seiboth, 19, from Wymondham, took up the challenge after a friend told him about it.

Norfolk County Council funds the Duke of Edinburgh Award in Norfolk and Wymondham College has recently taken on the running of the scheme in the county.