A dedicated Scout has celebrated after becoming part of ‘the few of many’ and receiving the highest official honour for young people.

Adam Taylor, 20, has been awarded the Queen’s Scout Award and will receive it officially at Windsor Castle next year at an event with chief Scout Bear Grylls and members of the royal family.

Established in 1909 to recognise exceptional achievements in Scouting, the award was given to Mr Taylor for dedicated work with the community and young people.

Mr Taylor, of Cranleigh Gardens in Loughton, is also set to become a member of the Queen’s Scouts Working Party, a group which stewards and attends high-profile events such as royal engagements and Remembrance Sunday at Whitehall.

He said: “It was an amazing feeling after taking four years to achieve what I have now been rewarded.

“Secondly, it was pride that I have become 'the few of many' scouts in the UK as only 500 Queen's Scouts are awarded each year throughout the UK.

“This means the excitement of gaining the highest award, I can't wait to taking part in high-profile national events with the Working Party.”