A DETERMINED young Cub Scout from North Tawton has been awarded for completing a challenge set to all cubs as a part of the 100-year anniversary of the Cub Scout movement.

James Matthews, from the North Tawton Cub pack, was awarded as one of only ten Cubs in the whole of Devon to complete the ‘100 things to do’ challenge — a set of tasks to be completed by Cub members.

In March Cubs all over the country were set the challenge. The aim was to complete the 100 listed activities, document each one with photographic evidence and present them in a large folder.

Ten-year-old James completed many activities and tasks including peeling an apple in one piece, as well as learning braille, sign language and phonetic alphabets.

One of the other activities was to write a prayer. James wrote about his great, great uncle James Victor Matthews, who died in World War One. He also took on the challenge of cooking a meal and washing up after.

After completing and documenting his 100 activities, James was presented with a top ten certificate from his Cub leaders.

The youngster, who recently moved from cubs to Scouts, now has a portfolio of photographic evidence that is about three inches thick.

James’ father, John Matthews, was extremely proud of his son, he said: ‘The completion of a major challenge like this says a lot about James’ character — his commitment, hard work and determination to see things through. I’m so proud of his achievements.’

The group Scout leader for North Tawton, Phil Roberts, said: ‘All the leaders at 1st North Tawton Cubs are very proud of the commitment and energy shown by James in completing the Cubs 100 challenge during 2016.

‘The challenge was open to all Devon Cubs as part of the Cubs’ centenary birthday celebrations and involved a Cub completing 100 different challenges ranging from planting an oak tree to peeling an apple, leaving the peel in one piece.’