A LOCAL Beaver Scout Commissioner has been presented with the Silver Acorn from Mark Stageman the County Commissioner at the West Yorkshire Scout Awards Dinner

Pete Dickinson started as a leader in 1968 with the 1st Ben Rhydding Scout Group and has worked in all sections from Beavers Scouts to Venture Scouts (Explorers).

He has been the Assistant District Commissioner for Beavers Scouts for many years successfully organising events which have brought together all the colonies in the Wharfedale District.

In 2014 Pete was instrumental in starting the Ilkley Christchurch Scout Group, the first new group in the District for almost 40 years.

The Silver Acorn is seldom awarded for less than 20 years’ service, which should be specially distinguished and appreciably better than outstanding.

The Silver Acorn was instituted in 1932 as an award to rank between the Medal of Merit (the first award) and the Silver Wolf the highest award in Scouting. It was originally called the Silver Medal but changed to the Silver Acorn shortly after. It was also worn on the jacket and not around the neck. It was instituted as a St George’s Day Award in 1933 and the decision for it to be worn around the neck was made around 1952 when at the same time, the Bar to the Silver Acorn was instituted. The award today is an orange ribbon worn round the neck with a Silver engraved Acorn with the recipient’s name and date engraved onto it.

Dominic Dodson, The District Commissioner said: "All in Wharfedale Scout District send their best regards to Pete and thank him most sincerely for his tremendous service and dedication to The Scout Movement over many years. Christchurch are looking to expand their Group by adding a Scout Troop but require offers of volunteers to enable them to do this. Please contact David Shaw The Community Commissioner on 07740797281 or pr@wharfedalescouts.org.uk"