THESE four Scouts from Oxfordshire were certainly prepared for receiving the highest scouting honour from Chief Scout Bear Grylls.

The group all received their Queen’s Scout Awards on Sunday ((26/4)) at Windsor Castle.

Andrew Leech and Luke Jennings, both 25 and from Oxford, were among hundreds of other Scouts from across the country to receive the honour.

Mr Leech, of the 1st Hanborough Scout Group, was previously chosen to form part of the International Service Team at the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in Sweden.

He was chosen out of 100,000 adult volunteers to represent the UK at the 2011 event.

They were joined by Jade Atkinson, 24, from Yarnton, and Kirsty Dare.

Miss Dare, 26 and from Witney, said: “Working for my Queen’s Scout Award has been such an incredible experience and I’ve learnt so much along the way.”

The 26-year-old added: “I’ve particularly enjoyed volunteering as an activity instructor at the Youlbury Scout Activity Centre in Oxford, teaching young people new skills that included archery and climbing.”

To get the award, participants, aged between 16 and 25, have to complete a range of challenges including community service, a wild expedition and learning a new skill.

Scouts must also undertake a five-day residential project in an unfamiliar environment to test their intuition.

At the ceremony Mr Grylls said: “All these young people have lived the adventure of a lifetime to achieve their Queen’s Scout awards, and I admire that spirit so much.

“They are huge inspirations to the other 550,000 Scouts in the UK and I am so pleased that Scouting has honoured them today. They are amazing.”

Scouts deputy county commissioner Alec Stanworth said: “We are extremely proud of the hard work that Kirsty, Andrew, Luke and Jade have put into their Queen’s Scout Awards. “The projects that they have worked on have supported younger members of Oxfordshire Scouts to reach their potential too and had a strong impact on our local community.“We wish all four the best on their next Scouting adventure as leaders.”

Since the Queen’s Scout Award was formed, more than 100,000 have been presented to young men and women for outstanding personal achievements and service to their local communities.

This year’s event coincided with The Scout Association’s announcement of its largest ever revamp of its youth activity programme.

The movement is launching 165 new and updated badges, including navigation and camp craft, making up a total of 250 badges for its members aged between six and 18.

Two new badges rewarding leadership and teamwork were also launched, alongside badges that support the development of resilience and communication.