Scarborough students' walking tribute to Prince Philip

Some of the Scarborough Sixth Form students who took part in the expedition in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh on Saturday

Scarborough students paid their own special tribute to Prince Philip by taking on a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award challenge on the day of his funeral.

The teenagers from Scarborough Sixth Form College chose Saturday for the 10-mile walk in tribute to the man who created the inspiring award scheme.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award, widely considered to be one of Prince Philip’s biggest achievements, gives young people the opportunity to develop new skills, build resilience and engage with the community.

The students set off from Reasty Hill Top and trekked for 10 miles as practice for a four-day expedition in the summer which will include map reading, compass work and general navigation.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award has been running at Scarborough Sixth Form College for more than 40 years and is aimed at helping students, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, to differentiate themselves when applying for university or employment.

One of the elements is a voluntary section where students are required to volunteer for a not-for-profit organisation for 12 months.

Lockdown increased the difficulty of achieving this aspect but the college says its students have risen to the challenge by tutoring younger siblings or helping local elderly and vulnerable people.

One student, Lucy Howlett, has been volunteering with her local Girl Guides.

During lockdown this has meant running activities through Zoom, including craft evenings and scavenger hunts.

"I think the walk is a perfect tribute to Prince Philip and that he would approve of us continuing to work towards our gold award despite the sad occasion.”