A scout leader from Bishopsteignton has been awarded the highest accolade in scouting.

Leila Gardner from was presented with the King’s Scout Award at the 1st Bishopsteignton Scout Group annual general meeting.

Only four scouts in Teignbridge have been awarded the King’s Scout Award since Charles II was crowned in May 2023.

‘I have gained so many invaluable experiences through scouts such as attending the World Scout Jamboree, completing the 35 miles and 45 miles Ten Tors, achieving my Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards, resulting a garden party at Bucking Palace, and all the exciting activities we used to do as scouts and explorers,’ Leila said. ‘These included climbing, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, wide games back woods cooking, campfires and so many camps I can’t count them all.’

Leila thanked all the volunteers ‘who always gave up their time’ to organise and run these activities and for their support in ‘helping us achieve our best’, particularly Sally Livett and all the other leaders.

To be awarded the King’s Scout Award, which is closely linked to the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, young people aged over 16 must complete a range of activities before their 25th birthday.

These cover five areas: taking up a skill and demonstrating progress and lasting interest; taking part in a physical activity; providing a service to an individual or the community; undertaking a four day, three night self-led expedition, and going on a four night residential trip in an unfamiliar setting using shared accommodation.

Participants must also make a presentation about all the areas of their award to encourage others to take part.

Winners of the award attend a special event at Windsor Castle with the Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields.

The 1st Bishopsgteignton Scout Group currently has spaces for children who are keen to join.