AN ADVENTUROUS group of sixth formers from a Harrow school have been presented with Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards at St James's Palace.

Three more pupils from The John Lyon School, in Middle Road, Harrow, are to receive their awards soon.

The school is recognised as one of the leading independent schools in London involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. Headteacher Katherine Haynes said: "Gaining gold is a really significant achievement, requiring dedication and considerable effort over a sustained period." Students Mitesh Hathiramani, Saneel Patel and Krishan Mistry, who are in the upper sixth, received their awards from the Earl of Wessex.

Daniel Orchard, Mustafa Al-Bustani and Amir Farooqi, who are also in the upper sixth, are awaiting a presentation date.

The gold award programme includes voluntary work over 12 months and a gruelling four-day expedition, as well as physical and skills challenges.

During an expedition in Snowdonia in February this year, they were confronted with snow and ice, as well as low cloud and poor visibility.

They also took part in an unaccompanied practice trek in the Brecon Beacons the previous March.

Ralph Durbridge, who runs the award programme at the school, said: "Although they encountered bad weather, the boys successfully located our instructors in the middle of the mountains. Visibility was down to 10 metres at the time, so this was an excellent achievement."