SIX Venture Scouts have been honoured by Redcar's Mayor for achieving the movement's highest award - the Queen's Scout award.

The group includes four from the east Cleveland district - David Himsworth and Philip Williams from the 1st Loftus Ventures, and David Lawson and Colin Martin from the 1st Brotton Ventures.

Gary O'Neill, from Central Ventures, and Rebecca Wright, from the Phoenix Ventures, in the west Middlesbrough district, were the other two recipients.

They were congratulated during a civic reception at Eston Town Hall last night by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council Mayor, Councillor Eric Jackson.

Cleveland county Scout commissioner David Clark said: "This award takes dedication to achieve and includes a series of projects chosen by the Venture Scout, which can range from expedition training and scuba-diving, to community involvement.

"I am delighted to report that the Scouting movement is alive and well in Cleveland, and these six young people are great examples of how successful we are."

The six, aged between 17 and 20, are staying in Scouting, with plans to take on training roles within the movement.