MORE than 20 members were presented with awards during a special open evening hosted by the 1st Hexham Boys’ Brigade.

The troop, which meets at the West End Methodist Church each Friday evening, also fielded two boys – James Willis and Sam Myers – who gained the Queen’s Badge.

Company captain Mark Knowles said: “It is especially pleasing that two more boys have achieved their Queen’s Badge, the highest award obtainable in the brigade after three boys acquired it last year. James and Sam joined the Boys’ Brigade when it was reformed at the West End Methodist Church in 2009, so they also obtained their seven-year service badges too.”

The duo have now been promoted to the rank of sergeant.

Meanwhile, company officer Alec Olsen and his wife, Marian, the minister at the church and the troop’s chaplain, are moving on altogether. Mrs Olsen is due to take up a post in the Methodist Circuit in Barnsley next month.

Founded in Glasgow in 1883, the Boys’ Brigade is an interdenominational uniformed Christian Youth organisation that has branches all over the world today.

The 1st Hexham Company recommences its programme of activities in September. Anyone interested in joining can contact Mark Knowles on (01434) 344159 for further information.