FOUR teenagers at Tynedale’s only surviving Boys’ Brigade company have gained the organisation’s highest award.

Harry Myers, James Sotheran, Ryan Marsen and Alex Read, of the 1st Hexham Company, were presented with the Queen’s Badge by Lord Curry of Kirkharle.

Hexham has been the only company in the Tyneside Battalion, based in Tynedale, since its reformation a decade ago in 2009.

The Queen’s Badge followed up on the President’s Badge all four gained in 2017, and required the boys to participate in skills-based training, help run activities in the brigade, undertake work within the unit’s base at Hexham’s West End Methodist Church and volunteer at an unrelated service.

Two of the boys who gained the badge were also awarded with their 10-year service badges as they had joined when the company reformed.

The Christian youth organisation meets at West End Methodist Church every Friday evening during term time, and caters for children from five to 18 years in different sections.

Boys interested in joining the brigade can contact company captain Mark Knowles on (01434) 344159 or by turning up one of the sessions.