GOLDEN girl Sophie McAteer mixed with royalty at St James's Palace, London, to receive her Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award from the Duke himself.

Sophie, a 20-year-old student, from Wootton Bassett, joined 800 young people from all over Britain at the ceremony.

Big Brother winner Craig Philip and ex-Hollyoaks star Terry Dwyer were among the celebrities presenting the awards.

For the award Sophie was required to undertake a variety of activities over 18 months, including a residential project in the country of her choice for which she travelled to Borneo and Australia.

She said: "I have found a greater appreciation of the world and a greater understanding and respect for different cultures."