TOPSHAM scouts were commended for their hard work at a presentation event which also celebrated the group s centenary year.

TOPSHAM scouts were commended for their hard work at a presentation event which also celebrated the group's centenary year.

The town's sea scouts handed out awards to more than 60 people at their headquarters on Ferry Road on Thursday, May 21.

The Topsham group was formed in 1909.

People, aged between 10-and-a-half and 14-years-old were presented with badges and certificates rewarding them for their scouting work.

Sarah Sutton, 31, acting group scout leader, said the work of the Topsham group was extremely commendable.

She added: "It's wonderful to think that a voluntary organisation, and in-particular our own group, has had such a positive impact on the lives of so many young people and adults down the generations.

"It is also pleasing to see that scouting continues to be of value today.

"That, I believe is testament to the volunteers, who give up their free time willingly to provide scouting for young people.

"Parents take a lot of pride in seeing their children succeed.

"This was why I thought it only right we had an evening where we could all come together and celebrate the successes of all members in the last 12 months."

Kieran Lewis, 14, of Topsham Road, received a chief scout gold award at the presentation evening, which is the highest prize a scout can receive.

Eleven people received an air activities badge, 15 club scouts were awarded a creative badge and 18 individuals were handed a digital badge.

Five people picked up a chef badge, three scouts were recognised in the fitness challenge-section and four swimmers badges (stage one) were awarded.

Kane Rogers was handed a stage two swimmers badge and William Parry was rewarded in the participation section.

The other awards were as follows: Moving on, Bryony Tyler and David Waugh; artist, Bayley Drew; IT, Kieran Billingsley; martial arts, Callum Lewis and smallholders, Holly James.

Meanwhile, the sea scouts hope to raise �125,000 to refurbish their headquarters on Ferry Road.

They have raised �5,000 so far. For more information about Topsham Sea Scouts, contact Sarah Sutton on 07810 448718.