Scouts from Hampshire were part of a historic investiture as Dwayne Fields was appointed the new Chief Scout.

Mr Fields, the first Black Briton to reach the North Pole, was chosen to lead half a million young people and adult volunteers due to his values, commitment, and outstanding leadership qualities. The investiture took place at Scout Park in North East London where Mr Fields spent time as a Cub Scout.

Scouts from across the UK, including 17-year-old Libby Roy of the 3rd Farnborough Scout Group, took part in the event.

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(Image: Hampshire Scouts) They participated in a number of activities, such as backwoods cooking, climbing, and archery, alongside the new chief scout.

As the evening drew to a close, a campfire was lit and Mr Fields took his Scout promise, expressing his excitement for his upcoming journey.

In his new role, he plans to attract new volunteers, particularly in areas unfamiliar with the Scouting movement.

Charlie Prior-Turner, a 17-year-old explorer scout from the Spitfire Explorer Unit, said: "It was such an honour to be a part of such a historic moment.

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"It is crazy to think I was personally there at the new Chief Scout handover.

"I am already such a big fan of Dwayne and really inspired by his vision for the future – and this night has made me even more excited to continue my own journey in Scouting."

Mr Fields, who was born in Jamaica and moved to the UK at the age of 6, found that the scouts offered new horizons during a time when he had limited access to nature.

Carl Hankinson, the UK lead volunteer at the Scouts, said: "A committed Scout Ambassador since 2017, Dwayne has visited hundreds of Scout groups, events and camps across the UK and internationally.

"He champions the sense of belonging Scouts gives young people.

"He is able to reach across generations, to further expand reach across all communities."

Mr Fields' mission is not only to encourage people from all backgrounds to explore nature and support their communities but also to inspire them to be the best they can be.