A TEENAGE air cadet has achieved his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Rob Wilkinson, 17, a corporal in the Air Cadets’ 234 (City of Durham) Squadron, was presented with his award by Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty.

He will also make the trip to Buckingham Palace early next year.

Rob, from Durham, spent a year working towards the honour, teaching other cadets about aeromodelling, improving his rowing and learning to maintain archery equipment. He also completed a four-day expedition in the Cheviot Hills.

He said: “The walk was the best part, full of memorable experiences.

“It was also a great privilege to receive my badge from the Air Commodore. If I could, I’d definitely do the Gold DofE again.”