WELL DONE: Andy Carr and David Stokes help Lewis Baillie, right, celebrate his achievement
WELL DONE: Andy Carr and David Stokes help Lewis Baillie, right, celebrate his achievement

A TEESDALE Scout has made a little piece of history.

Lewis Baillie is celebrating his Gold Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award – the first such award to be completed solely within Teesdale Scout district. Lewis has been a member of Staindrop Explorer Scout Unit for four years and is now part of the Teesdale Scout Network.

He has worked his way through the award scheme during the past four years culminating in this award. He had to complete five sections – volunteering, physical, skills, residential and the expedition. Lewis undertook two expeditions in Northumberland and the Lake District and is an assistant leader at Barnard Castle Cub Scout Group.

District Explorer Scout commissioner Andy Carr said: “Lewis is a great example to younger members of the movement as he has paved the way for others to get the award by his example.”

He received the award fromthe county commissioner David Stokes who spoke about its significance. Lewis was presented with his badge on Sunday, February 10, by the county commissioner and he will travel to the Palace to receive his certificate.

Mr Carr added: “Lewis is also very close to completing his Queen’s Scout Award which is the highest award of its type in the Scout Association. Lewis will be completing this after he returns from the unit’s ski trip to Andorra in February. These are great achievements by Lewis before he goes to university in the autumn."