WHEN First Great Western apprentice Niall Wiggins set out to achieve his Duke of Edinburgh Award four years ago the last thing he expected to do was…speak to the Duke of Edinburgh.

But that’s exactly what happened to 17 year-old Niall, of Crudwell, when he was presented with his Gold award at St James’s Palace in London

Former Malmesbury School student Niall said this week: “There were quite a few us at the presentation. Around 300. I was standing at the back of one of four circles of award winners.

“Prince Philip spoke to two people at the front and then, for some reason, he seemed to head straight for me.”

Niall, an operations apprentice, said he was amazed when the 93 year-old Duke started chatting with him. “I’ve no idea why he chose me – especially as I was at the back.

“He asked me what sort of service I did to gain the award. I wasn’t sure what he meant at first. I didn’t know what to say.

“Then I realised he was talking about the community service. I told him I became a volunteer with Oaksey youth club and he seemed quite interested in that.

“He put me at ease. It’s also surprising how he gets around when you consider how old he is.”

Niall’s mum Sarah Wiggins, 53, who was at the presentation, said: “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the Duke of Edinburgh walk over the Niall and start talking to him. I’ve no idea why he chose to speak to Niall who was standing right at the back.”

Niall had to undertake numerous tasks to achieve the much coveted and hard won Gold award after setting out on an attempt to gain his Bronze at Malmesbury School when he was 13.

The toughest part was a stamina sapping four-day 60-mile hike, armed with compass, map and a heavy backpack, over the Brecon Beacons. A practice hike across Exmoor was even more painful as he almost ended up in hospital with 19 tick bites.

Niall’s success with the Duke of Edinburgh Award saw him successfully progress to the highly sought Queen’s Scout Award, which he was presented with in December.

Niall, a member of Crudwell Scouts, said: “I’d done quite a lot with the Duke of Edinburgh scheme which meant that I was quite a way towards getting the Queen’s Scout Award.”

Now he is due for another brush with royalty in April when he will parade in front of the Queen at Windsor Castle with others who have achieved the ultimate scouting award.