Whitwick man, 24, awarded most prestigious scouting award

A 24-year-old man has said "it means a lot" to be awarded the most prestigious accolade in scouting.

Alex Reid, from Whitwick, in Leicestershire, achieved the King's Scout Award for outstanding personal achievement.

He will be visiting Windsor Castle on Sunday for a celebratory event where he will take part in a St George's Day parade with other winners.

Mr Reid, who leads Whitwick Scouts, said: "It has not hit me yet."

He said: "It is satisfying - it means a lot. My dad got the award.

"It's five years in the making but well worthwhile," he added.

To achieve the award, for scouts aged between 16 and 25 years old have to complete a range of challenges including service to their community, an expedition in wild country, and a five-day residential project.

They also have to develop an existing talent or learn new skills.

As his skill, Mr Reid, who joined the scouts when he was five years old, created an online programme for the local scouts during lockdown which included games and cooking.

Mr Reid also took up archery and undertook a four day and three night expedition in Wensleydale as his physical activity.

He said: "There was one moment on the expedition - because I had been leading the group I had been at the front most of the time - when I hung back and watched the rest of my group cross the line.

"That was a nice moment."

Dwayne Fields, scout ambassador and polar explorer, said: "A huge congratulations to Alex on achieving the King's Scout Award - the pinnacle achievement in Scouts."

He added Mr Reid had reached the end of an "incredible journey" where he had demonstrated "kindness, courage and commitment".

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