Scout Lizzie achieves two firsts with top award

Lizzie Stroud has become the first person in the town '“ as well as its first female Scout '“ to receive a top award.

She qualified for the Diamond Chief Scout Award after just a year to make her achievement even more remarkable.

Lizzie, 18, has worked hard during the past 12 months with the Arctic Fox Explorer Scout Unit.

Simon Baker-Irons, the leader of Arctic Fox, said: "Arctic Fox formed at the beginning of last year and Lizzie came from the guiding movement.

"She has been an enthusiastic member of the unit from the start who always gets involved. So it is great to see her receive this award for her commitment and hard work."

Scout district commissioner Vicky Hennessey presented the award at one of the Arctic Fox meeting nights.

Lizzie will attend a more formal awards ceremony in June to celebrate her success with others in the county.

She had to complete seven activities that run in line with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. This means she also achieved that scheme's silver award to make a hat-trick of successes.

Activities she undertook included trampolining for physical achievement and learning to play the clarinet for her skill. Lizzie also helps out at Cubs, which allowed her to complete the volunteering section, and she also assists at Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital.