AN explorer scout awarded the top award for young leaders.

Ethan Shannon-Craven, 18 has been given the Mission Belt for his efforts.

Mr Shannon-Craven came to the 1st Evesham 1st Hampton Beaver Colony to fulfil the volunteering section for the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, which he was undertaking with his school.

He decided to stay with the Beaver after completing the Bronze Award. At this point, Ethan joined Scouting and became an explorer Scout young leader.

Four years later, Mr Shannon-Craven had completed the ten modules of the young leader training scheme and gained many life skills, including first aid.

The training also required Mr Shannon-Craven to fulfil four missions, which involved him increasingly in the planning of the Beaver programme.

For more information on how to join Scouting visit www.scouts.org.uk