Duke of Edinburgh's 'affection' for Northumberland on display during visit to Cramlington
The Duke of Edinburgh showed off his knowledge of Northumberland during a visit to the county to meet youngsters taking part in an awards set up by his father.
Prince Edward - the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip - was in Cramlington on Wednesday where he met with local officials, spoke to Northumberland Army Cadets and tried his hand at archery.
The Prince, who took the title of Duke of Edinburgh in 2023 after the death of his father two years earlier, visited the Fox Barracks on High Pitt Road, which had been opened by his mother in 1986.
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Among those attending was High Sheriff of Northumberland Lucia Bridgman. Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, she said she was impressed by the Duke's knowledge of the county.
Mrs Bridgman said: "What was lovely was he asked where I was from, and when I said Alnwick he knew it was in the centre of the county. He has a real affection for Northumberland."
Cramlington and Killingworth MP Emma Foody was also at the event. She said: "It was an exceptionally proud moment. To be just two months into the job and welcoming the Duke of Edinburgh here is a real privilege. It is brilliant to have the Duke here and showcase the amazing facilities we have got, as well as the incredible work being done here."
The Duke was welcomed by children from Hillcrest School in Cramlington, before speaking to cadets about their activities in the DoE awards. Among them was 15-year-old Corporal Poppy Darling, who spoke of her pride at meeting the Prince and about the impact of the DoE scheme.
She said: "It has been an amazing opportunity. I'm really grateful to King Edward VI school in Morpeth for giving me the chance to do this.
"It has been amazing - we weren't told it was going to happen until today so it was a big shock. I'm doing my silver Duke of Edinburgh award at the moment. It includes a three-day hike, six months of volunteering, three months of physical and three months of skill.
"My favourite has been the expedition - we did three days of the Pennine Way. I found it really hard but you get a lot out of it.
"I get qualifications, I meet new friends and I've got new social skills. I did my volunteering in teaching and it has really grown my confidence."
The chairman of Northumberland County Council, Coun John Beynon, completed the Duke of Edinburgh award himself as a youngster and was also full of praise for the process.
He said: "I think it is great for the youngsters. It taught me a lot, so long may it continue. It's a life experience and it's a great step forward."
The Duke also met Helen Sutherland from the North Northumberland Branch of the Autistic Society and meet some of the children who have been involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme in the last year. He also was introduced to a number of adult volunteers who have recently received their Long Service awards.
He also watched cadets take part in various activities including archery, first aid, cycle maintenance, paint balling and trying out a GNAT training cockpit.