Six Scouts from Clipstone have hit the gold mark with special certificates from Chief Scout Bear Grylls.

The six, all members of 1st Clipstone Scout Group, completed six activity and nine challenge badges to receive the Gold Badge — the highest award for their section.

Tai Clayton, Sam Truscott, Charlotte Chadwick, Jacob Swiffin, Luis Cantrill and Kieran Thompson received their awards at the AGM of Mansfield and District Scouts.

Jacob Swiffin (12) said: “I like being a Scout because we do a lot of activities and spend a lot of time outdoors. I didn’t realise that we had done so much and we were all going to get an award.”

The news impressed Alex Peace-Gadsby, the Scout Association’s Chief Commissioner for England, who said: “I’m so proud and impressed with everyone’s hard work and dedication that has led to them achieving the highest award that a Scout can get.”

Speaking on behalf of the scout group, chairman of trustees Jim Gibson said: “I congratulate the scouts on their Gold awards, which reflect just how much effort and commitment they have put in to being a Scout.”

Also receiving awards were Steve Gough and Karen Gough, who achieved their Wood Badge, which meant they have successfully completed three years of training. Steve, a Scout leader, and Karen, an assistant Scout leader, had to undergo training to show they can practice what they have learned, and be assessed.