Aldbourne Youth Council’s Community Junction project has been given the royal seal of approval after receiving the Prince of Wales Award of Honour.

Founding trustee Andy Devey and seven youngsters received the accolade, which recognises sustainable improvements to rural areas, at the Royal Bath and West Show last Wednesday.

They were given a cheque for £1,000, an engraved bowl and a certificate signed by Prince Charles and presented by the Duchess of Cornwall, which was accepted by chairman Harry Armstrong and Mr Devey.

Harry, a year 11 pupil at St John’s, said: “I was quite nervous – it’s not something you do every day.

“Camilla was really friendly. We had a short chat and she explained that her daughter [Laura Lopes] was moving to the village and would pop in to have a look around.” The youth council was up against 12 other finalists for the award and found out on the day they had won.

“I couldn’t really believe it, it was one of those things that only sinks in afterwards,” said Harry. “We put it on the AYC Facebook page and it had a very positive response.”

Community Junction is a youth and community centre managed by young people and includes facilities such as an after-school café, a youth community room, and a chill-out area where the 13-plus age group can socialise.

The young members also run a charity shop and a two-bedroom holiday let.

It has not yet been decided how the money will be spent, but one suggestion is to put towards activities at the Aldbourne Youth Council play day on August 6.