FIVE girls from Malvern St James school are celebrating achieving the prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Joint head girl Rosie Baker, Elisabeth Utting, Victoria Jackson, Rhiannon Allen and Brooke Cleave were all awarded the honour after completing 18 months of activities, skills and volunteering.

Among the most demanding physical activities was a four-day, 50-mile expedition, while Rosie journeyed to Svalbad in the Arctic Circle with the British Schools Exploring Society and Rhiannon climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, raising money for Universal Concern.

The girls all joined the Duke of Edinburgh scheme aged 14, working their way up from bronze level to achieve the sought-after gold.

Rosie said: “I’m very excited to have achieved such a highly-prized award. I have gained considerable enjoyment and satisfaction from taking part.

“I would encourage others to make the most of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.”

The girls will be invited to receive their awards at St James Palace in London later this year.