FIVE York schoolgirls had a golden day this week when they received awards in a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Phoebe Delamere, Celia Edwards, Sarah Granville, Ella Latham and Scarlett Latham, of The Mount School’s Sixth Form, were awarded their Gold Duke of Edinburgh certificates by Sophie, Countess of Wessex on Thursday.

The girls, who completed their Gold level award expedition in August 2017, said it was an "unforgettable" experience, especially in the same week as the royal wedding.

They were each allowed to have a parent accompany them, and twins Ella and Scarlett had both parents present.

Scarlett said: "It was unforgettable. My favourite part of the day was simply walking around the grounds, which are an incredibly beautiful setting. There were ducks on the lake, the weather was beautiful and there was live music; at one point one of the bands played the same tune from 'Les Miserables' which we are singing in choir. We also saw the seats which were being set up for this weekend’s royal wedding."

Sarah added: "Going through the gates was quite an experience, because not many people get to see behind the palace. It was quite something to be singing the national anthem with actual royals present. The students were divided up into three groups and each group received their awards from a different royal. The Countess of Wessex presented us with our awards. Her husband Prince Edward was also presenting awards, as was Princess Anne."

The girls also saw television personalities Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood and Isy Suttie.

The Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards are for students over 16 years of age. The students complete four sections: a volunteering section, a physical skills section, a four-day expedition and a residential section where they undertake a shared activity in a residential setting away from home for five days and four nights.