CUBS and Scouts received plaudits from the borough’s Mayor after clinching distinguished awards.

Proud families clapped and cheered the youngsters from Basingstoke and Deane as they were honoured at a ceremony hosted by the Councillor Roger Gardiner at the Civic Offices.

The 29 boys and girls, aged eight to 14, were celebrating attaining their silver and gold Chief Scout Awards – the highest accolades in Cub and Scout sections respectively.

Cllr Gardiner gave a short speech and congratulated the youngsters before presenting each one with a certificate, shaking their hands and posing for photographs with them in front of their families and 70 leaders.

The youngsters earned the awards by completing a range of tasks including skills, physical activities, outdoor challenges, community work and camping.

Cllr Gardiner, who served as a Scout himself as a youngster, said: “It’s great to see the hard work and discipline of young people. Scouting turns them into wonderful citizens. We are very proud of them and they will go on to great things.”

Those awarded represented groups in the Basingstoke West Scout District area including Cubs from Brighton Hill (Baden Powell), Kempshott St David’s, Hatch Warren, Worting St Thomas, 24th Basingstoke and Rooksdown.

The rewarded Scouts were from Overton, Kempshott Bader, Worting St Thomas and Hatch Warren troops.