1981: The Royal wedding and the Duke of Edinburgh

By Gemma Jaleel on Jul 24, 08 09:00 AM

George Longstaff outside Buckingham Palace with his Duke of Edinburgh award in 1981

THIS week Memories honours the Royals in 1981, with Ormskirk's golden boy George Longstaff picking up his Duke of Edinburgh Award at Buckingham Palace.

The 18-year-old, of St Helens Road, was a student at Preston College and gained the gold award after passing his bronze and silver awards.

He had to do advanced first aid work, a 50-mile walk in four days, and a spell as a helper at a home in North Yorkshire.

George told the Advertiser at the time: "I really enjoyed taking the awards. It's a great experience and well worth the effort to get to see the Duke of Edinburgh."

Pupils at Rainford's Bushey Lane CE Primary School on Charles and Diana's big day

July 1981 was also the date that Prince Charles married Lady Diana and Britain celebrated with street parties.

Pupils at Rainford's Bushey Lane CE Primary School also joined in with the celebrations by staging their own version of Prince Charles and Lady Diana with eleven-year-olds Robert Ashcroft and Shelley Fryer as the bride and groom.