Proud moment: Neil, centre, with Mum and Dad on the left and Sir Timothy and Lady Daunt

Venture Scout Neil Simpson has won the highest scouting award - keeping alive a family tradition.

Neil, 21 of Douglas, was granted the Queen's Scout Award, the most prestigious recognition a Venture Scout can receive.

He follows in the footsteps of his father John, who also won the award, while his grandfather on his mother side picked up the King's Scout Award, as it was then.

Neil was presented with his award by the Lieutenant Governor Sir Timothy Daunt at Government House last week with his proud parents John and Dot looking on.

He joined the 1st Douglas Tynwald Cubs in 1987, progressing into the Scouts, before starting Venture Scouting in 1995.

In 1996 he gained his Venture Scout Award and has now achieved the highest award he can get.

He is the first Venture Scout from 1st Douglas Scout Group to have gained the award since John Whittaker in the 1960s.

And it is a case of full circle for Neil, who is now an assistant leader of the cub pack he joined 13 years ago.

His Venture Scout Leader Gordon Gledhill said: 'We are pretty proud of him.'

'I have seen him come form cubs, I am still an assistant leader to the cubs, Neil has done a complete turn around as he is also assistant leader for the pack he used to be a cub in.'

'He helps out in Scouts he is Quartermaster for the 1st Douglas Scout Group and he is a very active member.'

To gain the Queen's Scout Award Neil had to complete four categories before he was 21.

They were leadership training, community training, interest and hobby and exploration and report.

He has gone through his leadership training in the Island and for his community training he joined the coastguard in January 1998 and is still a member.

he is also part of the team which produuced the 1st Douglas website, which has been recommended thoughout the Scout movement.

And for his expedition he went with three other Venture Scouts for a hikeing trip in theLake District, at the same time researching a project on Beatrix Potter.

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