TWO Wiveliscombe teenagers have received the highest accolade in the scouting movement for under 25s.

Sam Gaines and Carl Davis were presented with Queen's Scouts awards at a presentation in the town.

The 18-year-olds, both members of the 1st Wiveliscombe troop, had to achieve Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards, or equivalent, to gain the prestigious honour.

And for Sam's mother Pam - who is Wiveliscombe's group scout leader and Taunton Deane District Explorer Scout Commissioner - it was the second such award in the family.

Her eldest son Tim became a Queen's Scout in 2008.

Sam and Carl, both now assistant scout leaders, had to complete a variety of challenges to meet the award's tough criteria.

Sam, who has just finished his A-levels and has a place at Bath University to study natural sciences, demonstrated his skill by playing the cello to grade six standard, playing rugby to fulfil the sporting element and completed a walking expedition in County Antrim.

Carl, meanwhile, raced model cars, followed a personal fitness regime and carried out an expedition to the Brecon Beacons.

Both teenagers helped clear the county's Huish Woods campsite and fulfilled the service category of the award by being members of the scouting movement since they were six.

"We aim high in Wiveliscombe and we work hard and both Sam and Carl have proved that," said Mrs Gaines.

The Wiveliscombe troop is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and to mark the event is holding a fete on the town's recreation ground on Sunday (July 15).

Admission is free and the gates open at 2pm.

Photo: Steve Guscott