CYCLING in Ireland and expeditions in the New Forest were among the activities that earned awards for a group of Scouting achievers.

A band of 24 Scouts received Chief Scout Awards in the Council Chamber at the Civic Offices, in Basingstoke. The boys and girls were presented with their certificates by the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Martin Biermann, and his wife Chansopha.

David Foster-Key, a member of Scout Active Support, which is made up of Scout leaders and other experienced members of the community, said: “It was a very pleasant evening and a nice way to recognise their efforts.”

The Scouts had to take part in six challenging activities and collect badges to complete the programme for the award. Two boy Scouts chose to cycle 200 miles in Ireland and another went on an expedition around the New Forest.

Mr Foster-Key said: “The mayor made every boy and girl feel special. He was very interested in each of them.”