A winning formula is the secret to the longevity of the world’s leading achievement award for young people.

As the DofE celebrates 50 years since the first Gold Award was presented by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace, the popularity of the DofE continues to grow and evolve.

London Gold Award Presentations (GAPs) now take place at St James’s Palace. Attending a GAP is a day young people and their families never forget. It is the culmination of their hard work, skills, determination and mentality to really succeed. Everyone gets dressed up and feels privileged and honoured to be invited to a royal palace; it is a fitting end to an exciting and rewarding journey.

The DofE holds GAPs in London, Scotland and Northern Ireland throughout the year. Young people receive their Gold Award in the presence of the HRH The Duke of Edinburgh or HRH The Earl of Wessex.

Tony Mullins (pictured) attended one of the first presentations at Buckingham Palace on 18th November 1958 to receive his Gold Award aged 18. He has remained involved with the DofE and was Chairman of the Midlands Regional Advisory Committee and a member of the National Advisory Committee. He was awarded the MBE in 1994 in the New Years Honours for 37 years voluntary service to the DofE.

Tony said: “The DofE was introduced to bridge the gap between leaving school and the National Service. I achieved my Gold Award with St John Ambulance. At the presentation I went to there were 49 boys, plus parents and leaders. There were eight of us from the St John Ambulance Brigade.

“We walked up the gravel frontage of Buckingham Palace and through the doors to the Bow Room, called such because of the Bow shaped windows that open onto the lawns. I was dressed in my St John Ambulance uniform and my parents sat with me as we waited for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Then the doors opened and in walked the Duke with Sir John Hunt. The Duke jested, ‘I hope someone knows what we are doing because I don’t’ and that set the tone for the day. Everyone was in their best bib and tucker and we all went up individually and shook the Duke’s hand, it was a fantastic culmination of all the hard work. The presentation was the highlight of most people’s lives; our parents especially were over the moon to go to the palace!

“The main difference I have noticed with the DofE over the years is the choice has radically changed in each section. I always had the belief that if it is not fun, you’re not doing it properly. I always thought young people should be getting fun out of it. The basic philosophy is the same but in my day we were allowed to do anything for a skill as long as it was stamp collecting; now the choice is endless!

“The DofE works because the formula works and it’s always been ahead of the game and never stood still. The other reason the DofE is so successful is it doesn’t set to test the young people and there is nothing negative about it, it is always positive. It appeals to young people as there are so many wonderful opportunities and it gives them a chance to achieve.”

Gold Award holder and DofE Ambassador, Paul Stockwell received his Gold Award in February 2006 aged 18, he said: "Receiving my Gold Award from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh was a fitting culmination to an exciting and rewarding journey through all levels of DofE programmes. It was a great privilege to be invited to the Palace and meet both the Duke and one of my adventurer heroes, Ben Fogle. It reminds you just how special achieving a Gold Award is. You, the participants, are the highlight of the day. It is your achievement! Just for one day, the world of celebrities and royalty come to you, to shake your hand and say a big well done! Amazing!"

Gold Award holder and DofE Ambassador, Lauren Williams said: “To me, my GAP meant that I could meet the man that started off the DofE. Thanks to HRH, I have some amazing memories! I felt privileged and a real sense of achievement to be at such a prestigious event. It was also lovely to actually dress up and wear make-up to a DofE related event, as opposed to wearing my walking boots!”