Rachel enjoys a 'golden moment' with the Prince

Rachel Campbell of Mullan Road joined 100 other young people from throughout the Province having earned her gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. And to mark the special occasion, the Prince stopped by Hillsborough Castle recently to speak to the recipients.

Speaking to the Times, Rachel explained: “Prince Philip was quite witty and joked with many of us. He stopped and asked me if I was ‘still at school, working or a student’, I told him I was a student and he laughed saying ‘you’re still a burden on your parents then?’.”

After the drinks reception, Rachel, a student teacher, was presented with her award from former Formula One racer Eddie Irvine who praised all the recipients on their ‘tremendous achievement’.

To complete the prestigious award Rachel undertook many activities that involved working to help others in the community, improving personal physical fitness, developing existing skills or trying something new, planning and completing an adventurous journey and staying and working away from home as part of a team.

Rachel continued: "There were four main parts to my award - an exploration trip to the Mournes studying various standing stones, a skill section where I used my knowledge as a Press Relations Officer with the Finvoy Young Farmers, a voluntary side as a Sub Officer with Finvoy Girls Brigade and my physical part was badminton.”

At present Rachel is in her third year of University studying Primary School Education at Stranmillis University College and is currently on Teaching Placement in Buick Memorial Primary School in Culleybackey.

Last Friday she flew to Malaysia to begin a four week placement teaching in a British School.

She added: “I would definitely encourage anyone to take up the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. It teaches you different skills, boosts your confidence and you make loads of great friends. It’s also a fantastic thing to have on your CV.”