Teenagers' top honour

AMBASSADORS: Antony Hook and Samantba Marsh

TWO Deal teenagers have been awarded the highest Scouting honour - the Queen's Scout badge.

Antony Hook, 18, of Harold Road, and Samantha Marsh, 17, of Redsull Avenue, were presented with their accolades by county commissioner Peter Barnes.

The ceremony was held at 5th Deal (Sholden) headquarters and the Venture Scouts will receive their certificates from the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Lord Kingsdown, at a presentation in March, And they will have the chance to join the Queen's St George's Day parade in April at Windsor Castle. Antony, a Dover Grammar School old boy and now a history undergraduate at University College, London, said: "We were honoured to win the award. It's something we've been working towards for a couple of years."

He has been a member of the Scout Association since he was six. To receive the award, Antony's tasks included conservation work in Zimbabwe and Epping Forest and a first aid course.

Meanwhile, Samantha's exploits included supporting the Beavers section of the group and trampolining, Mr Barnes said:

"They're great ambassadors for Scouting," Sarah Smith, who is 16 and studies at Canterbury College, was awarded her Venture Scout Award.