AN AWARD-winning Basingstoke student met both royalty and a member of her favourite pop group on the same day.

Zoe Barnes met former royal correspondent Jenni Bond and the Earl of Wessex at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday last week as she went to collect her Gold Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award.

The highlight of the day for Zoe, who was joined by mum Sharon, was meeting Marvin Humes, one of the members of JLS.

The 22-year-old said: “The day was amazing, far better than I thought it would be.

“The best part was meeting Marvin Humes from JLS, my all-time favourite group. It’s a once in a lifetime experience.”

Zoe completed all three levels of the Awards while studying at National Star, specialist college for young people with disabilities and learning difficulties based near Cheltenham.

Zoe has cerebral palsy and uses a power wheelchair.

She is currently studying at Basingstoke College of Technology, her first ever mainstream educational placement.

Zoe added: "Prince Edward asked me how my DofE had gone and I had it all pre programmed on my communication aid so told him.

"It was great to meet up with my friends from National Star and my tutor, Richard Brand who had also taken my through all levels of my DofE.

"I didn't know he was coming. All the hard work was worth it.

“It was good listening to others and what they had done for their DofE.There were others with special needs in my group as well. DofE can be achieved by all, doesn't matter if you have a disability.”

As a part of her award, Zoe supported other young people at National Star, volunteered at an animal charity and worked with other DofE members to investigate the accessibility in stately homes and make recommendations.