A proud Akela looked on as his two sons, Mark and Matthew Brown, collected Scouting Top Awards from the County Commissioner.

The Chief Scout Awards, which signify that a scout has excelled across all areas of the scout programme for their age range, is the highest award available to each of the scout sections.

Matthew Brown, formerly a Beaver and Cub with the 18th, collected the Chief Scout Gold Award for his work as a Scout with the 26th Cambridge. Matthew's final challenge was to help one of the younger sections earn a badge, in this case a number of evenings themed on Road Safety with the 18th Cubs.

Matthew is also currently assisting the 18th Scout Troop as a Patrol Leader, using his age and experience in the section to help prepare the younger members of the troop.

Mark Brown, also known as Hathi, received the Chief Scout Platinum Award after completing a number of challenges over a period of months, including a residential experience, developing a new skill and physical recreation. Mark managed to fulfil the majority of the criteria for the award through his Air Cadet commitments.

Mark's final challenge, to complete a period of community service, has been fulfilled by his work as a Young Leader with the Cubs.

County Commissioner, Richard Hames, commented;

"The Chief Scout Award is an amazing feat for any scout, encouraging them to excel in all areas of the scouting programme. What Mark and Matthew have done in order to earn these awards is a terrific achievement by any standard."

Mark and Matthew join 5 other members of the 18th Cambridge Beavers, Cubs and Scouts who have had their names submitted to the County Top Awards event in November, which recognises all scouts who have received Top Awards over the past year.