A GREENOCK scout who medics feared would never walk has overcome all the odds to earn a prestigious honour.

Stephen Coyle was born with talipes — also known as club foot — where the sole of his right foot pointed in the direction of his left knee.

He had to wear a splint across his feet for the first 13 months of his life and also had two operations to his right hand when he was very small.

At an early age, his parents were told that he might never walk or talk.

But Stephen, now 21, defied the odds and this weekend he’ll receive the distinguished Queen’s Scout Award — the highest honour in scouting — at Windsor Castle.

It will be presented to him by chief scout Bear Grylls and His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent.

Stephen’s delighted dad Martin said: “Our family are extremely proud of Stephen. This is an amazing achievement.

“He is never without a smile on his face and people tend to take to him immediately.

“Scouting has given Stephen the opportunity to work together with other young Scouts and it was brilliant to see them all encourage and inspire each other along the way.”

Scouts aged 16-25 must complete a number of achievements before they turn 25 in order to achieve the award.

Stephen sailed around the Clyde Estuary in a boat called Akela, which involved reading water charts, navigation and learning all about boat safety.

He also learned to play the guitar and has attended acoustic jam sessions and open mic events with his dad in the local area.

On top of that, the keen swimmer won gold and silver at the 2013 Special Olympics representing Scotland.

Stephen is a member of Port Glasgow Otters — a club for adults and children with learning or physical difficulties — and receives training from top coaches Eddie McCluskey, Colin McDonald and Greenock Paralympic champion Margaret McEleny.

He said: “As part of my Queen’s Scout I went to Bath for the Special Olympics in 2013.

“It was an incredible experience and I won an individual silver and a team relay gold medal.

“I’ll never forget it and the new skills I learned have given me confidence.

“I’m really proud that I have been able to achieve this.”

Stephen is one of 120 super scouts receiving a Queen’s Award this weekend and will pick his up along with life-long friend Jordan Byrne.

Last month the Tele revealed how Jordan battled back from a near-fatal brain haemorrhage when he was just a week old to reach the pinnacle of scouting.

He will be presented with his prize by the surgeon who saved his life, chief commissioner Graham Haddock.

Neonatal surgeon Dr Haddock, who is originally from Greenock, said: “The impact that each of these young people has had on their local community already will be obvious to those around them.

“It augurs well for their future and for their community as they take their skills and energy into the future.”