The scout’s county commissioner has received an award, thanking him for his commitment and dedication.

As part of National Volunteers’ Week, Eddie Ward has been awarded the prestigious silver acorn award in honour of the work he does in Cumbria as the Scout county commissioner.

This award is only given to people who have at least 20 years of scouting experience under their belt.

“It was a great surprise and honour to receive a letter from the UK Chief Commissioner confirming the award of the silver acorn,” said Eddie.

“I’m very lucky to have such a great team at Cumbria Scouts and such brilliant leaders across the county, especially at the current time, when they are working hard to support Scouting At Home, providing thousands of young people around the county with amazing opportunities and skills for life despite the difficulties of the coronavirus epidemic.”

Eddie has not only been recognised for getting decades of experience leading local scouts, but he has also been recognised for his achievements as Carlisle’s explorer leader.

National Volunteers ‘Week is recognising people like Eddie who have put years of work into supporting, and bettering, their local communities.

He said: “Volunteers’ Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate all their hard work, without which scouting in Cumbria simply couldn’t happen.

“I’d also like to thank my family for allowing me to spend so much time volunteering in a role that I enjoy.”

It’s the dedication and strength of feeling from volunteers that has allowed groups like the Scouts to flourish for more than 100 years.

This commitment is far more relevant now during the pandemic as volunteers within Scouts try to bring some semblance of normality to more than 3,000 young people who are engaged in Scouting across Cumbria.

Eddie is one of more than 700 volunteers in Cumbria that are instilling a sense of adventure and skills that will last a lifetime into these thousands of young people.

Laura Cooper, district commissioner for Reivers District in north Cumbria, added: “It’s wonderful to see Eddie be recognised for his work within Scouting in Cumbria and Reivers District.

“From forming Ayers Explorer Unit in Carlisle in 1992, which has grown to be an exciting, exhilarating group of young people; to being deputy district commissioner, and then county commissioner he has shown his enthusiasm for Scouting and its values.

“He brings a positive and energising leadership to the whole county for both leaders and young people.

“He is always proud of the achievements and milestones our young people reach and inspires to aim higher.”

For more information about National Volunteers’ Week, which is taking place throughout this week, visit the website volunteersweek.org.