AN Exmouth adventurer is celebrating after receiving her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

Samantha Treanor, 18, was presented with her award by the Duke of Edinburgh himself at St James’s Palace, in London, last Tuesday.

Samantha, who lives in Thomas Close, achieved the Gold Award through a series of challenges she took on while attending Exmouth Air Cadets.

Samantha says her most difficult challenge was a gruelling four-day expedition on the Brecon Beacons.

The expedition saw her hiking across the mountains during the day and camping out at night, along with four other cadets, who she hadn’t met before she set off.

Samantha also had to complete a residential activity at RAF Shawbury, where she took part in military activities such as shooting and drilling for five days, again with many people she had never met.

To qualify for her Gold Award, Samantha also had to attend Air Cadets for two years and achieve the rank of Corporal.

She had previously achieved her Bronze Award in 2007 and her Silver Award in 2008.

Samantha said: “Meeting the Duke of Edinburgh was quite nerve-racking, as we had to stand in a circle while he spoke to us one by one.

“He asked me about my expedition, and he seemed impressed when I told him about it.

“Achieving my Gold Award makes me feel really proud.”