CUB Isabella Hughes overcame a lifelong terror of birds to confront her fears and win a personal challenge badge for her bravery.

Cub leader Scott Coleman was so impressed with Isabella's determination that he gave her the award on the spot.

He said at first he didn't think Isabella would turn up to the cub meeting of the 6th Devizes Scout Group when parrots and cockatoos from Problem Parrots were due to visit.

He said: "Due to a horrible experience when she was young, Isabella was now terrified of birds but after some persuasion from Mum and Dad, she came along to see them at Cubs.

"During the evening, I noticed she was sat quite near the front and happily watching the presentation. The opportunity came for her to stroke a cockatoo & although very nervous, decided she was going to try. She succeeded and was able to have the bird walk up her arm, despite being a little unnerved when it fluttered, she kept it on her."

She then went on to hold a bigger parrot. Mr Coleman said: "A lifetimes terror of birds was finally put to bed, as she held a parrot, almost the size of her own arm The emotional bit was the speech she gave to other Cubs, as she explained why she was initially so scared.

"I awarded Isabella her Personal Challenge badge for her bravery."

Cub Ben also received a Chief Scouts silver award for achieving all of his challenge badges despite not being with the pack for the usual two and a half years.