A GREENOCK scout says he feels 'hugely honoured' after being asked to play a key role supporting the lying in state of her Her Majesty the Queen.

Paul Burns, an assistant cub leader from the 32nd Greenock & District group, was chosen from the whole West Region - taking in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Paisley and Dunbartonshire - to represent his organisation at Westminster Hall in London.

The 19-year-old has travelled to the UK capital along with 120 other scouts from across the country to take part in what is officially titled Operation Feather.

He will assist in Westminster Hall with proceedings over the coming days before Queen Elizabeth II is laid to rest on Monday.

Paul, an assistant cub leader who recently completed his Duke of Edinburgh award, will be responsible for ushering crowds, undertaking important security duties and assisting with moving floral tributes to royal parks as hundreds of thousands of people queue to pay their respects to the Queen.

Paul, who has been part of the 32nd, led by David and Carol McCallum, for 14 years, says it will be a privilege to do his duty.

The Strathclyde University chemical engineering student told the Tele: "I am really delighted to be representing the 32nd and the West Region on such a monumental occasion.

"It is a real historical moment and I am so proud to be part of that.

"As a Scout I have always made my promise to do my duty to God and to the Queen, so it is an honour to be able to live that out."

Paul, who has been in the local group for 14-years, say that his family - including parents Pauline and Andrew and brother Matthew - are 'overwhelmed' with pride after he was picked.

The former Notre Dame High School pupil said: "I expressed an interest in the role just a few days ago and was vetted by the Scout association and selected.

"It was a big rush to get everything sorted to fly down to London.

"I had to tell university I'd be off for the week.

"It's a bit of a rush to get an opportunity like this, it isn't something that happens every day.

"I'm really grateful to David and Carol for their support."

Less than 10 Scouts from Scotland are believed to have been selected for the honour, making the occasion even more special for Paul.

The whole 32nd group, including leader Carol, say they are very proud of him.

Carol added: "Our entire group are delighted that Paul has been chosen to take part in this historic occasion and do his duty to the late Queen, who had been our patron for decades.

"Paul is a shining example of a young person, who made his promise at age six when he was a Beaver Scout.

"He has followed a path of service, duty and commitment.

"We are all so proud of him."

Paul is also in line for a further Royal honour, as his application for the prestigious 'Queen's Scout' Award is currently under way, meaning he may well become one of the first 'King's Scouts'.

Regional Commissioner Ian Hunter said: “To be able to live your Scouting promise to do your duty to the Queen is outstanding at this time of national mourning.

“This is a tremendous honour for Paul, his group and all of us at West Region.

"I’m sure this is something he will remember for the rest of his life."