A DETERMINED teenager has been awarded the highest possible Boys Brigade honour for his community work in Woodford Green.

Simon Lloyd was presented with the Boys' Brigade Queen’s Badge during a ceremony at Woodford Methodist Church on Sunday (July 5) by John Young, the honourary vice president of the organisation.

It is the first such award to be received by a youngster from the Brigade’s Woodford Green section in its 28-year-long history.

Simon, who has just completed his A levels at Ilford County High School, is hoping to continue his education at Cambridge University this autumn.

Congregation member Michael Higgins said: "We are very proud of Simon's achievements."

The Queen’s Badge is the highest award a member can gain in the Boys Brigade.

Before working towards the award, boys must first gain the President’s Badge and have become involved in leadership in the company, helped out in the local community and taken part in various outdoor activities.