IT SEEMS that getting a gold award is like waiting for a bus if you’re part of an East Hampshire Scout group – you wait ages for one and then three come along at once.

But that’s exactly what has happened at 1st Sheet St Mary’s Scout group thanks to the efforts of Lloyd Perry, Thomas Upfield and Tom Poore (pictured above).

The youngsters were all presented with the Chief Scouts Gold Award for completing nine challenges, which included tasks ranging from team building to expeditions.

Each challenge has at least ten different sections so getting the accolade is hardly a walk in the woods, according to proud Group Scout leader Jannette Upfield.

She said: “It’s the highest award possible for Scouts and covers a whole multitude of skills for life.

“As for Sheet Scouts, we haven’t had anyone complete it in four years so for three to suddenly do it is a big thing for us.

“These young chaps have come through the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts and now they’re moving to the Explorer level.

“It has taken a huge amount of planning, support and work and we’re really proud of them all.”

The group is also launching a new Beaver Colony with a taster session taking place from 2-4pm at their Sheet hut on Sunday, February 3.

For more details contact Jannette on 07884 421265 or e-mail: [email protected]