THREE committed volunteers for the Scouts from Ilminster have been recognised for their service.

Husband and wife duo Andrew and Jayne Champion, and David Jefferies were recognised for their dedicated service at a special ceremony.

Mr Champion has given more than 25 years to scouting in a variety of roles. He started as Scout Leader in 1989 with the Buckland St Mary Scout Group. Ten years later, he moved to a district role with cub scouts, then moved to work with the Beaver Scouts in 2004.

In 2009 he moved to become a member of the Scout Active Support Unit – a role he continues today.

Mrs Champion started her scouting involvement in 1991 by becoming the Beaver Scout Leader for Ilminster and in the process starting the very first colony in South Somerset Scout District. A few years later Jayne moved to a district role working with Beaver Scouts.

In 2009 Jayne also moved to become a member of the Scout Active Support Unit – a role she continues today playing a role in organising events for the Unit.

Mr Jefferies joined scouting in 1994 as Group Scout Leader for Buckland St Mary. In 2009 he took on the role of district treasurer and willingly took on fundraising so buying additional camping equipment and a trailer for transporting it.

He gave up the treasurer’s role in 2014 when South Somerset Scout District merged with Taunton Deane to form the new Blackdown Scout District.

He continues as a member of the Scout Active Support Unit.

Marian Scott, a volunteer for the Blackdown Scout District, said: “They have done nearly 70 years between them, It’s marvellous what adults will give in the way of volunteering services.

“They started working at the coalface with the children with young people and now the three are working with the adults."

“They’re a great example for others to show what can happen if you stick with something, especially something you really believe in.

“Young people do benefit from scouting, they cover a wide range of subjects and different things, so it is really good for them.”

Mr Champion and Mr Jeffries were presented with the Award for Merit to mark their “outstanding service over many years”. Jayne received the Chief Scout’s Commendation for “good service over many years”.