ST George’s Day 2018 will be a red letter day for Watchet Explorer Scout Jake Ellis – he will be allowed to parade in front of the royal family at Windsor Castle.

Jake is entitled to the honour having been presented with the Queen’s Scout Award, the highest accolade an explorer scout can achieve.

He had progressed all the way through the scouting movement, from beavers to the explorers, and completed all the requirements for the Queen’s Scout Award, the highest award an Explorer Scout can gain.

It was presented to him by Assistant County Commissioner Peter Sampson on Sunday as Watchet Sea Scout Group combined its annual Admiralty recognition inspection with the St George’s Day parade.

Other awards presented to members of the scouts and explorer sections included two Chief Scouts gold awards – the highest award that can be gained by a scout in the scout section.

The gold awards were presented by the honorary president of the scout group, John Russell, to Shahid Abraham and Oliver Hicks.

Explorer Sea Scouts Tommy Dibble, Isabel Williams, Alex Harcombe and Marianne Baly were each presented by Assistant County Commissioner John Lewis with their Chief Scouts platinum awards, having completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and additional sections to gain this higher scouting award. 

And explorer scout Jack Shattock received the Harold and Hilda Strong Trophy for Watercraft Achievement, having been nominated by scout group instructors.

It goes to the scout or explorer scout who has shown the most development, persistence or abilities across all areas of the scouts water activities.

Jack was selected for his persistence and support over the years in his sailing, kayaking and power boating and for his help in helming boats for visiting scout and cub groups and always being willing to assist.

His award was presented by the Royal Navy inspecting officer, Lieutenant Lorna Wilson.