Determined girl scouts in Stebbing were given their gold and bronze Duke of Edinburgh awards recently (November 15).

Four girls from the 2nd Stebbing Senior Section, Lily Fraser, 18, Paige Marks, 15, and Simone and Maria Irani, 16 and 14, were presented with the award by the county Duke of Edinburgh advisor for girl guiding in Essex West, Sandra Cox.

Lily achieved her gold award, and Paige, Simone, and Maria all got their bronze.

To get the award, the girls had to do a physical challenge – for example they swam and rode horses – learn a skill, go on an expedition, and volunteer - they were young leaders at 2nd Stebbing Brownies & Guides.

Their skills involve care of animals and cooking, and the expeditions took them to Chelmsford on The Brecon Beacons.

Michelle Marks, leader of the senior section, said: “I am absolutely proud of them, I know what it took for them to achieve it, they were all exhausted after the expedition.

“I am sure they are going to go on and do more of this.”

Lily is currently studying to be a veterinary nurse, and Paige, Simone, and Maria all attend Helena Romanes.