TWO young people from Hillingdon were special guests at St James's Palace, where they collected their gold Duke of Edinburgh awards.

Prince Phillip attended the ceremony, where he met Danielle Sherman and Pallavi Dave, who have worked tirelessly to achieve the top award.

They were two of just 19 young people from across London who were invited to the ceremony at the palace on Tuesday last week.

To achieve the gold award, students have to spend a year volunteering, plan, train for and complete a three-night expedition, and undertake a shared activity in a residential setting away from home, for four nights.

Hannah Sargeant and Jonathan Hitchinson, area youth workers from Hillingdon who have helped the girls on their way to achieving the prestigious award, both attended the ceremony as VIP guests.