Beaver Sebastian Hancock, a member of 3rd Gee Cross Scout Group, is celebrating receiving a very special award.

For the seven-year-old is a recipient of the Ian Bouchier Award, presented to a member of the group who is considered to have shown true Scouting spirit.

Ian was a member of 3rd Gee Cross Scout Group who sadly passed away in 1994 after battling illness.

Every year since the group commemorate Ian’s memory by presenting the Ian Bouchier Award.

At the group’s recent AGM, Sebastian was named as the recipient.

The Ian Bouchier award is presented to any outstanding Beaver, Cub, Scout, Venture Scout or Leader, but Sebastian is the very first Beaver ever to receive it in the 20 year history of the award.

Sebastian received the award for his enthusiasm and commitment and for always attending with a smile.

Ultimately however his leader spoke about how very moved she was when Sebastian sang loud and proud, the National Anthem at the Remembrance ceremony for the anniversary of the Falklands conflict on Werneth Low on June 26 this year.

She said the Beavers had only learned the National Anthem the week earlier and to see Sebastian representing their Beaver group, singing ‘God Save Our Queen...’ with such passion, had moved her to tears.

Sebastian said he was very pleased to have received the award.

“I enjoy beavers because of the features  we all do and I like being included in games and making friends and learning new skills,” he said.

His mum Catherine, dad Craig and grandmother Liz added: “We are immensely proud of Sebastian in receiving this accolade and for the enthusiasm and effort he puts in to everything he does.”

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