SCOUTS in Nailsea celebrated the 87th birthday of their organisation at the weekend with a special street parade through the town and a service of thanksgiving. More than 200 young people and scout leaders marched from the 1st Nailsea Scout HQ in Clevedon

SCOUTS in Nailsea celebrated the 87th birthday of their organisation at the weekend with a special street parade through the town and a service of thanksgiving.More than 200 young people and scout leaders marched from the 1st Nailsea Scout HQ in Clevedon Road to Nailsea Methodist Church led by Nailsea Scout and Guide Band.Three scout leaders from the town, Steve Hamey, Louise Hamey and Ann Parker, were also rewarded for their service to the organisation and presented with the Chief Scout's Medal of Merit.The Medal of Merit recognises outstanding service of 15 years or more.Mr Hamey, 1st Nailsea Group Scout leader, said: "This is a very proud weekend for anyone involved in scouting in Nailsea."Scouting as a whole celebrates its centenary this year and it's great to think that Nailsea has been involved for 87 of those 100 years, touching thousands of young lives in the process and offering them a programme of fun, adventure, citizenship and personal development, which, in many cases, has remained with them long after they have left the movement."Group chairman Steve Harris said: "Our success and longevity are largely thanks to the hard work of generations of unpaid supporters, fund-raisers and committee members and it is particularly pleasing that three of our most dedicated volunteers have received the medal of merit."Steve, Louise and Ann thoroughly deserve this recognition for the years of service they have provided.