GOLDEN girl Victoria Bickerstaffe is set for a right Royal day out after proving she's not afraid of a challenge.

Victoria, 19, from Fell View Farm, Samlesbury, is heading for St James's Palace in London to collect her Duke of Edinburgh gold award from Prince Philip on May 13.

To qualify she tackled a variety of challenges to develop her leadership skills.

These included a four-day expedition in the North Pennines, a five-day residential drug prevention course, keep fit and learning car maintenance.

Victoria, who achieved the award through the Kirkham-based Phoenix youth group, said " The most memorable experience was doing the expedition as it challenged the group mentally, physically and emotionally."

"I made a lot of new friends during the challenges and can thoroughly recommend the award scheme."

The scheme, now more than 40 years old, is aimed at young people aged 14-25.

A drive is currently underway to increase participation by young people at work.