Rachel earns a royal reward

6:40pm Wednesday 31st December 2008

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A ‘GOLDEN girl’ from Whitefield has won royal recognition after completing her Duke of Edinburgh award.

Rachel Wertheim picked up a gold award at St James’s Palace in the company of the Duke and the Earl of Wessex.

The 21-year-old, who studies at the University of Central Lancashire, completed the Air Training Corp for the service section, drumming and gliding for her skill, and martial arts for the physical section.

The expedition section was completed in the Dark Peak, Derbyshire, and Rachel completed her residential with the Sandpipers.

Two other local girls, Claire Beasley, aged 20, from Tottington and Charlotte Wheelhouse aged 19, from Ramsbottom, also picked up their gold awards.

Barbara Lewis, Bury Council’s youth support service manager, was invited as a special guest to the ceremony.

She said: “Interest in the award continues to grow and is widely recognised by employers and people involved in education. Some of the benefits to young people include developing self-confidence and self-reliance and gaining a sense of achievement and responsibility.”