The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, met with youngsters from across Kent during a visit to Cobham Hall independent school near Gravesend.

The Earl was there on Wednesday to thank schools and organisations who run the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme, and attempt to get more youngsters, schools, business and youth organisations involved.

Youngsters currently taking part in the DofE scheme demonstrated skills including CPR, first aid and orienteering, to highlight the physical and expedition sections of the DofE.

The youngest pupils waved Union flags to greet the Earl, who then met representatives from each of the schools on site.

The visit follows the recent launch of The DofE's "Experience List", which outlines "25 of the best character hacks for teens" – a checklist of 25 experiences that can build teenagers’ confidence, independence and resilience, supporting their mental health and wellbeing, and standing them in good stead for the future.

To build the list, the DofE surveyed more than 4,000 people including members of the public, business leaders, education professionals, parents and young people.

Many of the experiences and activities that appear on the List can be done as part of the DofE.

Taking part in the DofE Award scheme is designed to help young people to enhance personal and professional and unlock their potential, providing the opportunity to have new experiences whilst volunteering, learning a skill, getting fit, planning, going on an expedition and, at Gold Level, taking part in a residential activity.

Any young person aged 14-24 years old can do their DofE, regardless of ability, gender, background or location.

Maggie Roberts, Headmistress at Cobham Hall said: “We would like to thank The Earl for his visit to Cobham Hall. The DofE is an integral part of life at the School due to the vital skills it develops, such as perseverance and resilience, which are skills required for a successful future.”

Peter Singleton, The DofE Award scheme's director for the South East, added: “Doing the DofE takes young people out of their comfort zone and supports them in building a vital set of skills for life and work, such as confidence, resilience and communication, as well as providing the foundations for life-long friendships. We are grateful to all our DofE Licensed Organisations in the area for their commitment to supporting young people with their personal and professional development and encourage other schools, businesses and youth organisations who see the value in offering this opportunity to their young people to get in touch to explore how the DofE can help them.”

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend