Claire Hodgson is a real golden girl.

The 18-year-old from Clacton has just completed her Duke of Edinburgh gold award, adding to an already long list of achievements.

As well as fulfilling all the sections required for the top level of the scheme, she was also head girl at Colbayns High School and won a Tendring Youth Council leadership award - all at the same time as studying for A-levels in English language, history and law.

A major part of Claire's gold award was an expedition to the Brecon Beacons, where she had to walk 50 miles in four days carrying a quarter of her body weight in a rucksack.

"We had to do it in atrocious conditions," she said.

"I absolutely loved it though, it was really good fun."

Claire, who lives on Hampstead Avenue, is now waiting for confirmation that she has passed the award.

She will then be looking forward to a ceremony at St James's Palace, where she will meet the Duke himself.

Meanwhile, her next challenge will be a degree in law and human rights at Essex University.

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