I'm a retired Geography teacher who was in charge of the D of E Award in a Colchester comprehensive school and later at the Colchester Sixth Form College back in the 1980s. The school was in Newtown, a working class part of Colchester, and over those years many of the students, boys and girls, went through the scheme participating in the four sections - community service, expeditions, skills and physical activities.

This belies the impression that D of E was only for middle class students. Most entrants achieved their Bronze Award at school with others going on to Silver and Gold at college or after leaving education. I particularly remember expeditions to Dartmoor and the Brecon Beacons which was enjoyed by all as many of the students knew little of Britain except for the Essex/Suffolk border country where we had practiced hiking and camping to prepare for more rugged terrain. Tents and other camping equipment was loaned from the Colchester Youth Office and Minibuses from the local education centre. I was particularly fortunate as in those days the shoe fashion for teenagers was Doc Martin boots which many of the kids wore as they couldn't afford proper hiking boots! I know for a fact that several of the students doing community service in local hospitals and surgeries went on to work in the NHS eventually, just one example of how the Award scheme inspired youngsters to achieve a career that otherwise they may not have considered. I was very sad to hear of the death of Prince Philip and sincerely hope that his award scheme will carry on throughout the world as part of his legacy.