A PE teacher at a south Bucks school has been recognised for 25 years of service to the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) scheme.

Stella Sanders, also head of Year 12 at Beaconsfield High School, was awarded with a certificate of recognition by Prince Philip at St James' Palace during the DofE gold presentation award ceremony earlier this month.

She was thanked for her “continued hard work” in “inspiring and supporting young people in their self-development”.

Mrs Sanders said: “It is amazing to see the incredible, life changing opportunities the Duke of Edinburgh award creates.”

Past students of the school also attended the ceremony to receive their gold level awards. Emily Gilmour, Henrietta Lowen Cooper, Anna and Helen Carter Roberts, and Nicola Twinning returned from university for the ceremony.

Mrs Sanders added: “The girls have to dig deep and undertake all five sections of the award over 18 months, but this determination and motivation has ensured they join the growing number of Beaconsfield High School gold award holders.”

Emily, who is currently studying dentistry, undertook her gold expedition on the Isle of Man before swimming open water courses in the Thames. Anna represented England Nets in South Africa to complete her physical section.

Nicola travelled to Africa to teach A-level maths as part of her continued volunteering and Helen, who is studying medicine, went to Ghana where she worked on her residential section.

School spokesman Amy Thompson said: “Mrs Sanders’ commitment to the scheme enables Beaconsfield High School to be a licensed Duke of Edinburgh centre that offers gold, silver and bronze level, a unique benefit to the area.”