This was a set of four stamps, released on the 12th August 1981, designed by P. Sharland. They were issued to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

The 14p depicted “Expeditions”, 18p “Skills”, 22p “Service” and 25p “Recreation”. These are the four elements of the scheme, whereby the participant must undertake certain tasks and challenges. There are three levels of the award, Bronze, Silver and Gold, each with varying levels of difficulty and time requirements.

The award began in 1956 as a pilot scheme “for boys”, with Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh as Chairman. The first Gold Awards were introduced in 1958, and in 1951 was granted Charity status, under the condition that a parallel scheme for “girls” was introduced. A combination scheme for “Young People” aged 14-21 was launched in 1969, and was extended to the age of 25 in 1980.

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