MATTHEW Beale, a young Scout leader from Crickhowell, has achieved a rare double of two gold awards in one year.

Not only did Matthew achieve a gold award in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme he also achieved his Gold Queen Scouts Award.

The Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award is not only open to scouts but is also aspired to by students in schools and many youth groups. However the Gold Queen Scouts Award is only aspired to by scouts.

Last year only 25 scouts in the whole of Wales, including three from Brecknockshire, achieved the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award while just six scouts in the whole of Wales achieved the Gold Queen Scouts Award.

Matthew, who is now a student in Cardiff, is keen to retain his links to his local scout group and chose to have a presentation at Crickhowell Scout Group on Thursday, October 26. The full honours will be presented to Matthew during the coming year in separate Royal ceremonies at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace.

A Crickhowell Scout group spokesman said: “Scouting is growing in Crickhowell, with a large number of Beavers attending every week and Cub and Scout sections have had exciting adventure camps over the last year. A good mix of young people and adult volunteers is needed for Scouting to thrive and Crickhowell needs more adult volunteers.”

To find out more about volunteering contact the Area Commissioner on 01639 701254.