A teenager has achieved the highest award in Scouting, the Queen’s Scout Award.

Oliver Willbye, from Horns Cross, Greenhithe has been involved in Scouting for 12 years and completed the top award with the Livingstone Explorer Scout Unit in Stone.

The 18-year-old, who is now known as a Queen’s Scout, embarked on an expedition around Exmoor and got involved with community activities, including helping Beaver and Cub groups, as part of the award.

He received a certificate from The Queen and joined other award winners at Windsor Castle, where they were put through their paces with a marching session at the Victoria Barracks, under the watchful eye of drill instructors.

The Queen’s Scouts then attended the National Scout Service at St George’s Chapel with the Duchess of Cambridge, who stood in for the Queen, and Chief Scout Bear Grylls.

Oliver, who also completed the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award through Swan Valley Community School in Swanscombe last year, said: “It was a fantastic experience that I shall never forget.

“I would like to thank my parents, my explorer leader Tommy Manktelow and Dan Taylor of Swan Valley for aiding and giving me the encouragement and support so that I could have the opportunity to complete both the Duke of Edinburgh and Queen’s Scout Awards.”

The Queen’s Scout Award requires an extremely high standard of self-discipline, leadership and achievement in activities, interests and community services.