A BRAVE Scout is to take part in the St George's Day parade at Windsor Castle where he will be presented to the Queen and other members of the royal family.

Thirteen-year-old Sam Vickers is one of only ten Scouts to be awarded the medal of meritorious conduct by the National Scout Service this year.

Wheelchair-bound Sam, of Sacriston, never lets his disability get him down and joins in the fun at a yearly Scout camp on his quad bike.

He was presented with a medal and certificate in front of 200 people at Great Lumley Church for his dedication and determination.

Today, he and his parents, Michael and Linda, and brother Ben, nine, are travelling to Berkshire for their royal date on Sunday.

His mother, Linda, said: "We are immensely proud of him. He has always enjoyed scouting and there are not many children in his position who carry on with it.

"He has not said much about the visit to London but I think he is secretly looking forward to it.

"It is the biggest honour you can get in scouting, so we think it is absolutely fantastic."

Sam is a pupil at Sacriston's Fyndoune Community College and assistant patrol leader with the 1st Great Lumley Scouts.

He was nominated for the award by Durham County Chief Scout George Purdy.

His presentation certificate reads: "In recognition of his great courage and enthusiasm for scouting, despite having to cope with a severe disability, thus displaying the true scouting spirit."