A YOUNG achiever from Ringwood will join hundreds of others from across the UK to receive her gold Duke of Edinburgh award.

Melissa Reynolds, who originally attended Ringwood School, will travel to London on February 26 to be presented with her gold certificate at St James’ Palace by DofE’s Patron and Founder – HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

The Gold Award Presentation (GAP) is a celebration and recognition of Melissa’s achievements in completing her Gold DofE programme. It is a unique event and a fitting culmination to mark the hard work, determination and perseverance required.

Melissa worked tirelessly through the five sections of her DofE programme over eighteen months to achieve her Gold Award.

Speaking about her experience Melissa said: “I discovered that I don’t have two left feet when it comes to dancing the Salsa, but most importantly, taking part in this programme was a massive confidence boost for me.

“In the past I really lacked confidence and would have had problems going into a room of people I did not know, on my own.

“The skills I developed helped me gain a management position with Costa Coffee and I would recommend the DofE programme to anyone, particularly those who are nervous about taking on new things, it is fun, life changing, humbling and so rewarding.”

Her activities included serving and chatting with homeless people, attending a weekly breakfast at West Cliff Baptist Church in Bournemouth for a year, learning to dance the Salsa and how to crochet.

Melissa spent a week in Latvia as part of a team cleaning up and maintaining a children’s camp.

She also learnt to canoe – spending two weeks on the Rivers Severn and Wye in Herefordshire.

Throughout the DofE journey, Melissa has been able to develop her team-working skills and improve her personal confidence, helping her to be a great team member, leader and decision maker.

Melissa is now researching her next project, a trip to New Zealand.