Young leaders from Harrow and Brent present Scouting For Girls with special award (From Harrow Times)

Young leaders from Harrow and Brent present Scouting For Girls with special award

8:30am Saturday 31st July 2010 in

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SCOUT leaders from Harrow and Brent have been chosen from more than 400,000 scouts to present a special badge to a chart-topping band.

Dannie Barratt, 18 from Harrow, and Holly Northwood, 19 from Brent, were selected to present Scouting for Girls with a Musician Badge, as part of the Birthday Honours List announced by the Scout Association.

The organisation celebrates its birthday tomorrow, August 1, and this year it asked its half a million members from across the UK to vote online for public figures who have encouraged others to try new activities and learn new skills. Scouting For Girls topped the poll in the Musician section.

Upon meeting with the group to present their award, Holly said: "It was really tough when we voted as there were so many excellent choices in each category. I chose Scouting for Girls because their songs are great and they’re brilliant role models.

"I’ve really enjoyed my time as a Scout, I achieved the Queens Scout award at age 16, and am now an adult volunteer. It’s a great way to challenge yourself and get involved in your local community.”

Dannie added: "Being a Scout has built my confidence, expanded my horizons and allowed me to try things I would never otherwise have done. It's a big part of who I am today."

Lead vocalist from Scouting For Girls Roy Stride said: "Thanks to the Scouts for giving us the Musician Badge. It’s great that Scouting encourages young people to take up musical instruments- record labels everywhere take note.

"I met Pete (Drummer) when we were both starting out as Cubs, so Scouting holds a very special place in our hearts. Happy Birthday!"

Chief Scout Bear Grylls congratulated Scouting For Girls and suggested that they were an inspiration to adults and young people everywhere to get involved in Scouting. He drew particular attention to the need for adult volunteers to tackle the Scout waiting list of 33,500.

He said: "Scouting is proud to recognise those who have inspired young people during the past year. Across the UK, young people have voted for those who have demonstrated the skills that are required to attain an honorary Scout badge.

"Inspiring young people is vitally important and Scouting For Girls join the thousands of ordinary adults across the UK who inspire young people week in week out in their normal leadership roles.

Heroes, one and all."