AN OSWESTRY woman had admitted her pride at picking up the highest award in scouting at a special ceremony at Windsor Castle last week.

Becca Owen, 21, has been a scout since she was five years old and she was awarded her King’s Scout Award on Sunday, April 21 by Chief Scout Bear Grylls.

The award, for scouts aged 18-25, is a gruelling set of tasks linked closely to The Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and requires entrants to spend at least 12 nights camping and 18 nights away, and also complete a variety of activities.

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Becca, who is a leader at Oswestry Scout Group, said she was doubly proud that she was able to share it with her family and the scout leaders who have shaped her.

“You can only achieve this once – it’s the highest award in scouting,” she said.

“I’m extremely proud of this achievement as I have been a scout since I was five and it was great to celebrate my day.

“I was able to secure tickets for my scout leaders Chris Ridgers who was able to come down and watch it.

“I have known them since I started scouting so it was great that I got to celebrate with them too.

“Chris has been with me throughout it all and it was so nice to share this moment with him.

“It was a very nice place to visit – we went down on the Friday and had five days to walk around Windsor and explore the area.

“I feel like I’ve had a nice break.

“It’s taken me about four years to complete the awards so it was nice to finally get to enjoy the ceremony.

“It’s my goal now to become a mentor to someone else like Chris has been to me.

“I’m already a leader in our group so it would be good to help someone else pass as I was the only this year to do so.”

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Bear Grylls said he was delighted to play his role on the big day.

He said: “I am so proud to celebrate the achievements of the King’s Scouts here at Windsor. Gaining this award is the pinnacle of their scouting journey.

“These Scouts are an inspiration to us all due to their commitment, enthusiasm and hard work – I am full of pride for every single one of them."