A SCOUT from Colwall has been hailed for her dedication and effort after picking up two top awards.

Mary Carr, who is currently studying at Cambridge University, was presented with the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and the Queen’s Scout Award when she returned home for the Easter holidays.

The Queen’s award is the top accolade available to members of the Scouting movement aged between 18-25.

Recipients are required to complete a long list of tasks, including spending 18 nights away, 12 of which must be camping, provide service to an individual or the community for 12 months, take up a new skill for at least a year, and show progress and lasting interest and undertake a four-day expedition in open or adventurous country.

Mary completed all these tasks while an Explorer Scout in The Malverns District.

County commissioner Derek Barnes said: “This is a fantastic achievement by Mary. To gain both awards takes a lot of time, dedication and effort. She achieved both these awards in an incredibly quick time before going off to university.”

Since gaining her Gold DoE Award, Mary has been to St James’ Palace for a reception hosted by Prince Philip, and on Sunday, May 1 she will be going to Windsor Castle for the annual St George’s Day Parade for Queen’s Scouts, with the Queen and chief scout Bear Grylls.

With scouting numbers rising by 27 per cent in the Malverns over the last five years there is a need for more adult volunteers to help out, in a variety of roles. Anyone interested should visit malvernscouts.org.uk or call 0844 414 2951.