The gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was given to 72 apprentices from Dartford British Gas Academy.

The apprentices met at St James’s Palace earlier this month and were given the honour in the presence of His Royal Highness, The Earl of Wessex.

The young apprentices, all under 25 years old, were recognised by senior management at the British Gas Academy, based on Crossways Business Park, and entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den star Levi Roots .

The young employees were then given the chance to share their experiences with HRH The Earl of Wessex.

Apprentice Simon Gibbs said: “Completing my Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has given me a huge amount of confidence and allowed me to challenge myself.

"It was a fantastic experience which I will always use, in my personal life and career, as a motivation to try new things and push myself out of my comfort zone.”

The determined employees each dedicated their time to a range of challenges for a period of at least 18 months, working through volunteering, physical, skills, expedition and residential.