THREE Northwich Scouts have shown that they can achieve success in the face of adversity, as not even the global pandemic could stop them.

Laura Warburton, Daniel Hesmondhalgh and David Jankowski from 1st Hartford Scout Group have achieved the highest award a scout can obtain - the Gold Chief Scouts Award.

To gain the accolade, the trio had to complete nine challenge awards and a minimum of six activity badges over three years. The awards are all about stepping outside comfort zones and trying out something new, unlocking hidden talents along the way.

The challenge of the pandemic makes these achievements even more special, as they have been accomplished through online and face-to-face scouting meetings, and in line with stringent regulations.

Graham Wallace, Group Scout Leader at 1st Hartford Scout Group, said: "The majority of scouts do not achieve their Gold Award, so what these three scouts have achieved is remarkable in itself, never mind the fact that they have succeeded during a Global pandemic."

Ian Johnson, Scout Leader, said: "We did not allow standards to drop, rather adapted to the circumstances, we were prepared, opportunities were provided, and these three scouts embraced them."

Darren Gorst, District Commissioner for Mid-Cheshire Scouts, awarded Laura, Daniel and David with their Gold awards and said: "I am proud to award you your Gold awards, you have worked hard and deserve them."

Laura Warburton was also awarded the Graham and Sue Shaw Award for the scout who has done the most for scouting in the past year. Laura was presented this award by Graham Wallace, who said: "You have shown outstanding leadership in the last year, supporting both the scouts and one of the cub packs."

Laura and Daniel have also been selected to form part of the UK contingent to attend the World Scout Jamboree 2023 in South Korea.

All three are continuing their scouting journey by joining the District Explorer Unit – Hartford Explorer Scout Unit.