A TROWBRIDGE air cadet squadron staff member had the honour of going to Buckingham Palace to collect her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Charlotte Lyon-Dean, of Trowbridge, was presented her award by TV presenter, former Royal Marine & Ex-Air Cadet Arthur Williams whilst in the presence of Prince William.

The 20-year-old completed a 100-mile march, over four days in Nijmegen, Holland, achieved grade eight with the flute, worked as an instructor cadet teaching junior cadets on the Trowbridge squadron, did a camping trip in Cyprus and other hikes to earn the award.

"I had a mixture of being really nervous and being really excited. My mum came with me too, many years after she did her Gold award, so we were able to compare," said Charlotte, a medical student at Bristol University.

"Me and my teammates finished last August or September but we only went last at the end of May but it was worth the wait."

The former John of Gaunt pupil joined the Trowbridge air cadets at the age of 15 and said it did wonders for her.

"I am so glad I joined. It helps with teamwork, your confidence and life experience, I really recommend it," she added.

"One day I would like to be a doctor for the armed forces and all of this can help towards that."