A DISTRICT councillor from Wotton-under-Edge had been commended for his service to the The Scout Association.

Ken Tucker was awarded the ‘Bar to the Silver Acorn’ in the St George’s Day Honours List in recognition of his “continuing and specially distinguished service of outstanding quality to the movement”.

The honour was given by TV explorer and ex-special forces soldier Bear Grylls, the association’s chief scout.

“I am thrilled and extremely honoured to have received this award,” said Mr Tucker.

“Being a member of the Scout Association is a fantastic way for youngsters in our community – both boys and girls – to be involved in exciting programmes for their social and physical development.

“For more than 100 years Wotton has had a successful Scout Group and we are very fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteer leaders and helpers and I am delighted to be involved.”

Mr Tucker, who has been a member of the 1st Wotton under Edge Scout Group since 1984 and a former group chairman totalling 22 years.

He is currently scout group president and Chairman to the Trustees and a Trustee of ‘Conygres’ (the town's scout camping and activity Centre), where he has coordinated improvements to the facilities since 1986.

He was previously presented with the Award for Merit in 2002 and the Silver Acorn in 2011 and received this latest award at a ceremony at Windsor Castle earlier this month

County commissioner for Gloucestershire Scouts Paul Trott said: “I am delighted that the chief scout, explorer Bear Grylls, has made this award to Ken in recognition of his service to Scouting. His is one of only two such awards in Gloucestershire this year which indicates the high regard in which Ken is held by the Movement.”

Mark Batchelor, chairman of the Wotton scout group, added “Since its formation in 1909, Scouting in Wotton has always been hugely popular.

"Thanks to the support and dedication of Ken and the many other leaders and helpers, today we have two beaver colonies, two cub packs and three scout troops, with over 140 members, making us one of the largest groups in Gloucestershire.

"We are all very appreciative of the high standards and diverse program of activities our leaders provide for the young people in our community.”

Mr Tucker, who is a Liberal Democrat district councillor for Wotton-under-Edge, is also deputy chairman of the town's Beaumont le Roger Society (which ‘twins’ with Beaumont le Roger in Normandy), a committee member of Wotton Youth Liaison Group, fundraiser for youth projects in the town and a member of the Stroud Road Safety Liaison Group.