DELIGHTED Luke Parker has been made a Chief Scout.

Most Scouts earn the title when they reach 14 or 15 after completing physical, creative and personal challenges.

But for Luke, 17, who has Down's Syndrome and studies at the Uplands Further Education Centre, completing that work took a little longer.

Swindon Scouts have now honoured Luke, and Grant Whittington, as they both collected Gold Awards and became Chief Scouts.

"Yes, I'm proud of myself to get this," said Luke, who appeared in a pantomime as his personal challenge.

"I enjoyed my time in the panto and I'm looking forward to taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme which is the next thing I want to do."

Watching the presentation were parents Terry and Nicky.

"We are so proud of him and of the group as well since they have supported him through it all," said Terry.

"These are boys he has grown up with, he has been in the same group since he was in the Beavers so to have come so far is great."

Nicky, who is chairwoman of the Swindon Down's Syndrome Group, said: "It has improved his social skills and has allowed him to do normal things without his parents.

"He performed as an Oompa Loompa in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with the Penhill Players. He absolutely loved it."

Also picking up an award was Grant, 15, a pupil at Swindon Academy. His personal challenge involved doing work experience in a funeral parlour.

Grant said: "The work experience I did at the funeral parlour was a once in a life time opportunity."

Grant's parents Robert and Claire were also at the ceremony and pleased that their son had come so far.

"I'm really proud of Grant," said Robert. "He has shown how far he has come along. His confidence has grown and it has definitely made him a better person."

Jane Harvey, leader of 17th Swindon scouts, said: "I'm so glad that both boys have achieved this.

"The whole point of these awards is that the boys gain confidence and do something that tests their boundaries, and to keep going and get this far is a really big achievement."