A mother has told of her pride after her daughter picked up a prestigious award from Prince Edward.

Halstead resident Emily Stokes met the Earl of Wessex, the Queen’s youngest son, at St James’s Palace, where she collected her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The student paramedic received the award, the highest level in the scheme, after a year’s worth of hard work including instructing new air cadet recruits, aircraft modelling, a residential trip to the Royal International Air Tattoo and a five day expedition to Iceland.

Deanne Stokes, Emily’s mother, said: “She said Iceland was absolutely incredible with breathtaking scenery and, although they had to endure some extremely difficult terrain and low temperatures, she had a truly amazing experience and would definitely recommend it.

“Emily was fortunate to have spoken to Prince Edward at the presentation and was able to receive her award along with some of the other Air Cadets who were in Iceland with her last year.

“My husband and I are extremely proud of her achievements.”

Emily will graduate from university next year with a degree in paramedic science.