THE final step of an eight-year journey has seen a former Dunbar Grammar School pupil presented with a prestigious award at Buckingham Palace.

Emma Yule was joined by her mum, Lynn, and dad, Ronnie, in London last month to receive the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in a presentation which also celebrated the 60th anniversary of the scheme.

Twenty-three-year-old Emma, along with her mum, were among hundreds able to enter into the grounds of the world-famous palace for the event.

Emma, who is studying management at Imperial College Business School in London, told the Courier: “It was really good. It was really nice in the grounds of Buckingham Palace and it is huge!

“It was a nice sunny day and there were different stations where people got the awards.”

Business entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den star Sarah Willingham was on hand to present the awards before Emma had the chance to meet Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

Emma, of Middlemas Road, added: “Sarah was really nice and they were both really friendly.

“Sarah did a speech at the end and had an inspirational message saying we had all done really well and pushing us forward, which was nice.”

Emma was allowed one guest to come into the grounds and along with her mum was able to see the grounds following the presentation of the award.

The award marks the final step of a journey which began when she was just 14 and at Dunbar Grammar School.

The award is split into four sections: expedition, physical, skills and volunteering, with members of the public able to do the awards at bronze, silver or gold level.

As youngsters move through each stage, they have to do more hours on each section.

The gold award means volunteering for 12 months and taking part in an expedition lasting at least four days and three nights.

For the physical and skills sections, one has to be carried out over 12 months and the other over six months.

Emma, who previously studied physics at the University of Edinburgh, has coached at Dunbar Amateur Swimming Club, enjoyed an expedition around Fort William and helped out with a turtle conservation project in Greece.

She added: “I would just like to say thanks to the teachers and hopefully it is giving people the confidence to do it.”