PRIDE of Swindon award finalist Simon Dabbs was presented with his medal and certificate at a ceremony in front of 1st Swindon Sea Scouts.

Simon, 17, from Haydon Wick, was unable to attend the Pride of Swindon Awards ceremony at Swindon Town Football Club in April because he was on holiday.

Brian McGaw, who had nominated Simon for the award, for his services to scouting, said: “He bridges the gap between the young ones and the adults. He organises the games and challenges and we have a good laugh.’’ The Pride of Swindon Awards are to recognise the unsung heroes of our community.

Simon said: “The Pride of Swindon Awards show the council and the community what we do. They encourage us to keep doing what we are doing.

“I didn’t know I had been nominated until I got the letter inviting me to the ceremony. I was over the moon. The presentation was done in front of the cub pack and cub leaders and they put me on the spot because I had to make a bit of a speech.’’ Simon began as a beaver when he was six and he is now a youth leader in the cub section. He has been studying to be an electrician at Swindon College and is now hopes for an apprenticeship.

He is a Christian and part of X-sit, a church run event which is working with young people from six to 11.