A GROUP of Beavers from Malmesbury were given a very special surprise when they received their award certificates which were signed by the Chief Scout, Bear Grylls.

Six of the children in Beavers celebrated achieving the highest Beaver award, the Bronze Chief Scout Beaver, after 18 months of hard work and commitment.

Beaver Scout Leader Gynnette Ranger-Walsh, took over in September last year, and is delighted to see so many children take home the top award.

Her son, Jack, was one of the six to receive his certificate, and decided to write to his hero, Bear Grylls, to tell him about it.

“My son had written to Bear Grylls to see if he would sign the certificates,” Mrs Ranger-Walsh explained. “He said, can I write to him and tell him what I have done?

“I got the certificates back and he had signed them, so I kept it a secret until the presentation.

“Jack didn’t know so it was a nice surprise for him as well.

“They couldn’t believe it, they were all quite chuffed.”

William Hussey, Phoebe Millar, Oliver Lane, Jack Ranger-Walsh, Cameron Bendall and Alexander Lock achieved their Bronze Chief Scout Beaver Award after completing six challenge badges and four activity badges over an 18-month period.

Beaver Thomas Auty, who only joined the group in April, was also given a special award for his achievements.

Town mayor Cllr Wayne Jones attended to present the award badges and certificates to make the day even more special.

Mrs Ranger-Walsh said: “It is an amazing achievement and it shows they have been committed. I think it is something that is really good, but they have to put the effort in.

“I invited the Mayor because I was so proud of their achievements and I was hoping his visit would make them realise how important they all are.”