FOUR Llanidloes Explorer Scouts have been awarded the highest Scouting award.

Will Rees, Tom Stead, Jeff Botha and Ethan Owen were awarded the Queen’s Scout Award at Windsor Castle.

They were honoured in a review by Princess Beatrice and Chief Scout Bear Grylls who gave time for each participant to share their stories at ‘a day of celebration and achievement’ on April 23.

The boys took part in a parade of the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle and a service of celebration held in St George’s Chapel to mark their achievements.

The Explorer Scouts were awarded for their commitment, determination, self-discipline and effort.

They planned self-led expeditions across Wales, Shropshire and Dartmoor in Devon, volunteered for almost two years helping local sports clubs, raised money for charities, ran education sessions for the Cub Scouts and travelled to Switzerland and India.

Around 500 young people achieve their Queen’s Scout Award every year.

Eight recipients who attended the event came from Wales, four of them were from Llanidloes.

“As leaders we are very proud of the commitment they have shown,” says Llanidloes Explorer Scout leader, Lisa Stead.

“The Explorers have been hard working, fun and dedicated. They have been superb role models and we now have a new generation to follow in their footsteps. We wish them well in their new ventures at university. They have made us all very proud.

“We are also very grateful to the support shown in the Llanidloes community. The Rotary Club, town council and many locally skilled people and businesses have given their time to support in a myriad of ways. Without volunteer leaders in Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers, none of this would be possible. The Explorers thank all involved.”