A SALE schoolboy has inspired his fellow beavers after his hard work and determination gained him a prestigious scout award.

Seven-year-old Benjamin Huntley has been awarded the Chief Scout's Bronze Award - the highest award a Beaver can gain - by the Scout Association after completing six challenge badges.

The St Mary’s Church of England pupil was also surprised with a special certificate and medal at his beaver group on Brayton Avenue after becoming the first beaver to complete all of 18 activity badges on offer.

Sarah Goodstadt, scout leader of 3rd Ashton on Mersey Scout Group, said: “We are very proud to have someone so keen in our group as it shows what can be done when someone is willing to put the hard work in.”

The year 3 student participated in a number of challenges including a charity run, camping, taking part in swimming gala, fossil hunting and learning about the environment.

Benjamin was so determined to achieve all the badges that his mum, Karen, 39, and dad Peter, 40, arranged for him for him to help look after a relative’s dog to get his animal badge.

Karen said: “We are really proud of Benjamin. His little brothers have got their work cut out following in his footsteps.”

The badges are specially designed for the six to eight-years-old age group and Benjamin set himself a mission to earn all the badges before he left the beavers.

Sarah said that the youngster has become an inspiration for other beavers who are determined to complete all their badges, ‘just like Ben did’.

She added: “Benjamin will be moving up to the cub section in the New Year and will have an even bigger challenge with lots and lots more badges to earn.