A DEDICATED Greenock youth volunteer has made history after being named the first King's Scout in Scotland.

Paul Burns, an assistant cub leader from the 32nd Greenock & District group, is the first Scout in the country to be given the highest award in the movement since the new Monarch took the throne.

Earlier in the year the 19-year-old was chosen from the whole West Region - taking in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Paisley and Dunbartonshire - to represent his organisation at Westminster Hall in London during Her Majesty the Queen's lying in state.

The teenager, along with fellow Scouts Gavin Lynn, Rachel Ruddy, Erica Paton and Kerr McIldownie, was presented with the award by Lord Lieutenant Colonel Peter McCarthy at a special ceremony held at the group's Bank Street premises.

Paul, who has been part of the local group for 14-years under the watchful eye of leaders David and Carol McCallum, says he is 'so proud' to have received the coveted title.

The Strathclyde University chemical engineering student told the Tele: "It is such an honour to have received the award.

"It's been three years of hard work and to get the award you have to demonstrate certain values, work in the community and take on expeditions.

"It feels special to be the first Scout to receive the King's honour in Scotland."

During the event, which former 32nd Scout Councillor Martin McCluskey and Regional Commissioner Ian Hunter attended, Paul was also presented with the Commissioners Commendation for his week long service during 'Operation Feather', the code name for the operation around the funeral of Elizabeth II.

The former Notre Dame High pupil said playing his part managing crowds as they queued to pay their respects to Her Majesty was something 'he'll never forget'.

Paul, who was one of 120 Scouts chosen from across the UK for the experience, said: "Despite it being a very sad time, it was quite uplifting to see people from all over the world come to honour the Queen.

"I was part of the team who supported St John's Ambulance and also handed out supplies like water, food and blankets.

"It was great as anything left was donated and distributed to homeless people - apparently we saved over four tonnes of food from going to waste."

Delighted to see Paul honoured, 32nd leader David added: "This is an incredible achievement for all of the young people.

"We have had 40 Queen and King's Scouts honoured over the last 10 years and it is a testament to their dedication and the dedication of those in the group.

"All of them have gone on to do great things - we are so proud of them all."

* Main photo of Paul is by George