FORTY youngsters from the Hale-based Jabberwocks have received the royal seal of approval.

They were presented with their gold Duke of Edinburgh awards at St James' Palace in London.

During the trip the Jabberwocks - junior members of Hale Civic Society - met the Earl of Wessex and received their awards from TV presenter and DofE supporter Alice Beer.

The young people had travelled from various parts of the country for the day, coming from their universities and places of work.

The Jabberwocks' DofE co ordinator and leader, Denise Laver, was also invited to the ceremony as a special regional guest.

The Earl passed comment on the name of the group and rated it as a 'cool' name.