A SCOUT Master from Reading has been awarded an MBE from the Queen in the New Year Honours List.

Norman Boxall, 82, from Reading, has been recognised for his achievements during his lifetime in the honours list which celebrates the service of extraordinary people across the UK.

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At 8 years old Mr Boxall joined the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association, a small independent Scouting charity focusing more completely on outdoor activities and woodland skills than the mainstream Scouts.

At the age of 18 he became a Scout Master and has used his natural Scouting skills and engaging personality to share his passion for Scouting with both children who have been members of his groups and adult leaders whom he has trained, on a local, national and international level.

Speaking about his achievement, Mr Boxall said he was "over the moon".

He added: "You can’t describe it.

"It’s something I never thought would happen to me."

During his time with the Scouts, Mr Boxall was asked to join the Association's Trustees as HQ Commissioner for Senior Scouts, the position which he still holds, and in which he serves as a pivotal part of the B-PSA leader training team.

He is a supporter of International Scouting and a respected and influential member of the B-PSA’s international organisation, the World Federation of Independent Scouts.

For 20 years, Mr Boxall has also run the Duke of Edinburgh award.

He added: "I have enjoyed it so much.

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"It’s nice to give something back that you enjoy doing yourself."

Mr Boxall said he will "really miss it" when he stops but said: "They’ll be a few more years yet I hope."

Being awarded an MBE means Mr Boxall will become a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.