CUMBRIAN explorer scouts were at Windsor Castle this week to receive the Queen's Scout Award: the highest scouting honour there is.

Explorer Scouts Rebecca Haslam, from Hoosiders ESU based in Penrith, Michael Frost, Matthew Fleming, Jack Smith and Peter Young from Xenolith ESU based in Ulverston were honoured along with over 650 new queen scouts by international adventurer Chief Scout, Bear Grylls on April 24. Bear was joined by Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO.

This honour is achieved by young people aged between 16 and 25 who have completed a range of challenges, which includes service to their community, completing an expedition in wild country, undertaking a five-day residential project in an unfamiliar environment and learning a new skill or developing an existing talent.

Matthew Fleming said “This was a brilliant day we all enjoyed ourselves, a great climax to gaining the Queen Scout and It was good to listen to the ‘Bear’ and meet Prince Michael of Kent”

The challenges the scouts had to complete saw them providing a service to their community, completing an expedition in wild country, undertaking a five-day residential project in an unfamiliar environment and learning a new skill or developing an existing talent.

Rebecca Haslam, 25, is now the leader of Hoosiders ESU and did her expedition in Black Mountains in Wales, where they tested rucksacks.

She was part of the team which lit beacons to start Paralympics Games in 2012 by climbing Scafell Pike. Rebecca’s residential project was at Bendrigg Outdoor Activity Centre teaching children with learning difficulties.

Michael Frost, 19, is an assistant leader at Xenolith ESU, Jack aged 19yrs, Matthew and Peter, both 18, are now members of the South West Lakes Network.

All four completed their expedition canoeing the River Spey in Aviemore, Scotland. They all completed their International experience at Zellhof International camp in Austria and their community service involved the creation of the Factory Shop Community Garden in Ulverston.

Matthew, Peter and Jack completed their residential project while gaining their National Citizen Award while Michael completed his as part of his Audi apprentice training programme.

Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: "All these young people have lived the adventure of a lifetime to achieve their Queen’s Scout Awards, and I admire that spirit so much. They are huge inspirations to over half a million Scouts in the UK and I am so pleased that Scouting has honoured them today. They are amazing."