I took part in the award scheme in the 1970s and met prince Philip at Birmingham University when I was 15 when we were putting on displays. It taught me many skills but more so got me out of inner city Birmingham most weekends to take part in projects.
It showed me another way of life and I met really kind adults giving their time to us.
The trip to the university also inspired me to want to study on that beautiful campus which i did a few years later.
The Duke of Edinburgh himself was friendly charming and good fun not at all stuffy. We were showing how the fire service helped young people and he joined in.
That was 40 years ago and I remember it so well and him so fondly