An 18-year-old has spoken of his pride at being given a senior role in the scouting movement.

Jagz Bharth, of Enfield Lock, has been made the UK’s scouting deputy youth commissioner.

He and 21-year-old Jay Thompson from the Isle of Man will support the Scout Association's first youth commissioner, Hannah Kentish, 21.

Mr Bharth will be responsible for making sure the views of all young people in scouting are taken into account, working with the youth commissioner to make sure scouting remains youth-focused and connecting young members at the grassroots with decisions made at a national level.

He last year travelled to Peru with pupils at his former school Chace Community, where he was head boy, and also picked up a Queen’s Scout award.

Mr Bharth said: “I feel so proud to be representing so many young people nationally. I have always wanted to inspire others to achieve their dreams, and this is the perfect opportunity because scouting changed my life, and it will change yours”.

UK Commissioner Wayne Bulpitt added: “Having a movement that is shaped by young people in partnership with adults is at the heart of what Scouting is all about, and I am delighted to welcome Hannah and her deputies Jagz and Jay onto the national leadership team.

“They are all incredibly passionate about Scouting and bring unique qualities and experience to the team that will ensure that the decisions made at national level remain relevant to our members. I look forward to working with them all as we begin this new and exciting chapter in our history.”