A volunteer who has helped young people get their Duke of Edinburgh awards for nearly 60 years was presented with a lifetime achievement honour by HRH The Earl of Wessex.

Barry Hieger, 79, of Stanmore, first joined the JLGB (Jewish Lads and Girls Brigade) in 1948 at the age of 13 and became an adult volunteer in 1952.

He helped start the organisation's link with the Duke of Edinburgh awards in 1956 and has helped participants ever since.

At a ceremony last week, Mr Hieger received the Duke of Edinburgh’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his service.

The former accountant was presented with the award by the Earl of Wessex for his work training nearly all gold participants for their expeditions, which he continues to do to this day.

The earl said: “Congratulations Barry, you are a legend of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and JLGB. It is a very, very well deserved award.”

Mr Hieger said the award "came totally out of the blue” and he was “surprised but very, very proud”.

President of the brigade Lord Levy said: “Well done. Barry, you led the way and look at this team of followers you created, this award is so richly deserved.”

JLGB delivers the DofE and provides a culturally sensitive expedition service with kosher food and does not breach the rules of observing Shabbat.