FOUR Boys’ Brigade members have achieved the movement’s top award.

Daniel Miller, Jack Rowell and Chris Winn, of the 1st Chester-le-Street Company, and Andrew Berston, of 16th East Durham Company in Fulwell, Sunderland, received their Queen’s Badge at a ceremony in Chester-le-Street Methodist Church.

The presentation was made by BBC TV Look North presenter Hannah Bayman.

To gain the award the boys had to first earn the President’s Badge.

The Queen’s Badge takes up to two years to achieve and requires members to be junior leaders and be active members of the church and community.

They also have to take on new, physical skills and interests and may also take part in expedition work, which if completed makes them eligible for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award.

They must also complete a skills- based course and a weekend residential course.

A brigade spokesman said: “Apart from the work involved in gaining this award, it is also worth noting that these young men first joined BB at the tender age of five and have been members for the last 12 years, over two thirds of their life, indicating their commitment and dedication.”