Royal connections go back to King Edward VII

Ryan McNamara, 19, from Layton, was presented with the Queen’s Scout Award by the Duke of Kent at a ceremony at Windsor Castle which was also attended by Chief Scout Bear Grylls.

Ryan, who was just 17 when he completed the award, helped coach young skiers in Switzerland and carried out environmental projects as part of six years work towards achieving the goal.

And the accomplishment has also helped him launch his career as an outdoor instructor.

He said: “I was really proud to receive my Queen’s Scout award, especially as I am the youngest person to have got it in Lancashire for the past 10 years.

“One of the things I did was help coach young skiers in Kandersteg in Switzerland and at the end the children voted me best leader, which I didn’t find out about until later.

“Working towards the award has definitely helped me widen my job opportunities because I think it shows what skills you have and demonstrates responsibility and commitment.

“It has helped me get the job I am doing now, and I am also hoping to work in New Zealand.”

Ryan, who is a former pupil of Collegiate High School, was been a member of the scouts at St Mark’s Church in Layton, before joining South Shore Tigers based on St Walburga’s Road.