Teenager to visit Palace for gold award

More than 40 youngsters from across South Staffordshire have been presented with their awards for the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme including one girl from Hammerwich near Lichfield.

Stacey Oldacre, aged 19, from Redfern Drive, will be given a rare opportunity to meet the Duke of Edinburgh at St James' Palace on May 19.

Stacey, who is studying to be a textiles teacher at Edgehill University, near Southport, was presented with her gold award at the Quality Hotel, in Penkridge on April 24 by Barbara Cooper, senior section leader of the Staffordshire Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.

In total 48 girls from around the county received awards at bronze, silver and gold levels for their achievements through the award scheme.

To achieve her gold award Stacey had to spend 12 months volunteering and 18 months on a physical and skills activity. She also completed a gruelling expedition of over 50 miles.

She undertook her volunteering section with Girlguiding Staffordshire, and used swimming as her physical activity. For the skills section she learned music and driving.

Proud dad Stephen Oldacre, aged 48, said: "It has been a hard six years for Stacey and has taken her a lot of time and effort. Both me and my wife Susan have given her as much backing as we could and we are so proud of her. Having a Duke of Edinburgh award scheme badge is a great thing to have for a prospective employer."

Stacey, a former Chase Terrace Primary School student, is described by Stephen as very academic and hard working.

Sue herself received a gold award from Prince Philip in 1983. And the Oldacres hope the family tradition will continue when Stacey's younger sister Emily, aged 14, a goalkeeper for the Wolves Academy under-14 team, who hopes to take her bronze award soon.