AROUND 100 young people received their gold awards when the Duke of Edinburgh and Irish President Mary McAleese hosted a joint ceremony in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh yesterday.

The young people from Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic and one from Canada, who have attained the gold standard of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme or the Gaisce Award, its equivalent in Ireland, were presented with their certificates.

The event has an added significance as it takes place during the 50th anniversary year of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Prince Philip had been in Edinburgh this week to address a conference attended by delegates from all over the world who organise Duke of Edinburgh Awards or similar schemes in their respective countries.

The Gaisce Award was launched in Ireland 21 years ago, and works closely with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards in Northern Ireland where those who successfully finish the course can choose to receive the UK, Irish or international award.

To achieve the gold award participants must complete a challenge which involves giving voluntary service within the community, taking up a sport, developing a skill, completing a four-day expedition in wild, remote country, and attending a five-day residential experience.

Among those who were presented with their certificates yesterday was Bonny Whang, a 23-year-old Canadian from Toronto who is now working with the international award scheme in London as the secretary general assistant.