A scout master from Chessington was invited to Windsor after receiving the prestigious Silver Acorn Award.

Janice Cooke is Akela or Scout Leader for the 2nd Hook (St. Paul’s) Scout group and has worked with the scouts for over 34 years.

On Tuesday, April 23, she received the renowned Silver Acorn Award in recognition for her decades of service to the scout group and the scouting movement in general.

She was presented with the award by Bob Bushell, President of Royal Kingston Scout District, at the group's headquarters in Hook alongside dozens of the scout group themselves and her husband Alan, who is president of 2nd Hook Scout Group.

Mrs Cooke told the Surrey Comet it was a "really special" occasion receiving the award and described her time with scout group.

"It's been something I've worked for and I was dead chuffed...It's quite a prestigious award and to get invited to Windsor too, it was really nice.

"My sons and daughter have both been with me at times in the scouts so it's been a bit of a family affair too.

"The ceremony on April 23 itself was the most memorable moment of all. It was St George's Day, my cubs and many people from the Kingston Scout District who I've known down the years were all there...it was a really special occasion," Mrs Cook said.

Ian Horstead, who also works at the group, offered some further details about the ceremony in Hook and paid tribute to Mrs Cooke.

Mr Horstead said: "During the presentation Bob recalled Janice’s first involvement with the 2nd Hook Scout Group and also the day she received her first uniformed appointment which was on Remembrance Day 1986.

"Since then Janice has dedicated more than 30 years to Scouting holding both Group and District appointments.

"Over the years Janice’s dedication, commitment and enthusiasm has guided, encouraged and provided hundreds of children within the local community with traditional and modern day skills, taught them how to be part of a team and to enjoy adventurous activities."