THREE Sale leaders who have helped hundreds of young people to gain Duke of Edinburgh awards have received royal recognition for their efforts Team Maverick Youth Support Unit is closing its doors after 15 years of teaching Duke of Edinburgh awards as the three leaders are retiring.

And award patron Prince Philip recognised the superb service of the trio - June Whalley, Terry Richardson and Sally Willshire - by sending them certificates that he had signed.

June said: "We were very surprised to receive certificates signed by HRH Prince Philip Patron of the award to recognise our work with the young people.

" It was a very fitting way to depart the award in its 60th year."

June, Terry and Sally have helped around 280 young people gain awards over the years, from their base at Sale Moor Methodist Church, in Northenden Road.

Six of their students have just gained the prized gold award, completing 18 months of hard work to achieve their goal.

The group - Yaseen Aslam, Sean Lui, Aisling McGee , Paul Kartashev, Nico Nealon and Alexa Abbot - now awaitS a visit to St James Palace to receive their certificates.