A YOUNG West Devon man recently travelled to London to be presented with a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award by Prince Edward at St James Palace.

Ashley Newcombe achieved his award through the Air Cadets, where he is a Cadet Flight Sergeant in the 2312 Tavistock Squadron.

For his award Ashley undertook a four-day expedition in the Rhinog Mountains in North Wales and completed his residential part at the Royal Naval College at Dartmouth, where he took a leadership award along with 150 cadets from all three services.

The other sections of the award took place in the local community and at the squadron headquarters, where Ashley undertook his Community Sports award in coaching and Physical Achievement disciplines.

Ashley said: 'I was proud to achieve this award and I am looking forward to now helping the squadron junior cadets in achieving their respective bronze, silver and gold awards. I am also looking to qualify as an accredited assessor in 2012.'

Ashley is currently studying sports management at Plymouth City College.