FOUR days in the wilderness studying footpath erosion, rowing for Oxford and building dry-stone walls is all in a day's work for two award winning guiders. Sarah Duke and Rachel Gristwood, both 25, are both members of the Sixth Petts Wood West Guides, and have won the prized Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award.

Pat Tiley, guide County Commissioner for Greater London presented them with their award on June 12, and said: "It takes a great deal of work to get this award. It's more of a marathon than a sprint and is a remarkable achievement and honour, not only for themselves, but for England."

The intrepid trekkers spent four days without seeing civilisation during a wild expedition on the Isle of Skye last year.

As part of their bid for the elusive gold, they had to survive alone, finding water from streams. Asked why they put themselves through it, Miss Duke said: "For the challenge, it was great fun", while Miss Gristwood said: "There must be something about the Sixth Petts Wood West Guides, we already have another six girls who have started working for their Bronze award."

Miss Duke, a geography teacher at St. Olave's School, Orpington, passed her driving test and became a visitor for the Kent Association for the Blind as part of her portfoilio to get the gold award. Miss Gristwood, a business adviser, chose country dancing and classical guitar.

If you want to join the guides, or find out more about the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, call Sue Capon on 0181 467 9307.

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