A LOCAL teenager is 'buzzing' after receiving a royal commendation from Prince Edward for his beekeeping efforts.

Andrew Taylor, 17, from West Kilbride met the prince after achieving a Duke of Edinburgh gold award for his outstanding work with the insects.

The sixth year pupil at the High School of Glasgow told the Earl of Wessex of his unique interest and how he came to be one of the youngest beekeepers in Scotland.

Andrew started beekeeping six years ago and continued to finesse and develop his skills as part of the Duke of Edinburgh award.

Having developed his own colony, he now has two hives in West Kilbride with well over 100,000 bees, allowing him to produces small amounts of honey which he sells locally.

Andrew said: "The earl was very interested in my beekeeping venture and asked me some questions about my hives and honey."

For the gold award, Andrew followed guidance from the Scottish Beekeepers Association, and learnt about the natural history of bees, equipment used, pests and diseases affecting bees and practical considerations of beekeeping, including public safety.

Andrew is one of the youngest beekeepers in Scotland, with most aged over 60 or over. He is also 'young leader' at his school and supports younger pupils through the Duke of Edinburgh bronze, silver and gold awards programme.

He later joined a group of the young pupil leaders who were also praised by the Prince Edward for their voluntary work encouraging and support for others.

The Earl of Wessex is the international chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme and was at the school to meet pupils taking part in the scheme.