The figurehead of the Scouts in the UK has shared a message of positivity and support for Scouts in Cumbria.

Dwayne Fields, who took the role of Chief Scout last month, succeeding Bear Grylls, is a polar explorer and presenter, and the first black Briton to reach the magnetic north pole.

Addressing Cumbrian Scouts, Mr Fields said: “A vital part of my mission is to encourage our Scouts and volunteers to build their skills and find their future, and I’m looking forward to meeting Scouts in Cumbria.

“I’d like to say thank you and well done for all our Scouts do to support their local community.”

He added that the Cumbrian Scouts are ‘creating brighter tomorrows for a new generation’, and added: “Scouts gave me belief in myself as a child when I needed it most, and I want others to get the same chance I did.

“I want us to reach across our communities like Cumbria and welcome in as many young people as we can.”

Mr Fields said he hopes he will be presenting Cumbrian Scouts with their Chief Scout’s Awards personally at some point soon, but an exact date has not yet been revealed.

He concluded: “Young people never cease to amaze me with their energy and generosity – we can learn so much from them.

“Let’s never forget that Scouts is powered by volunteers.

“We can only offer these great opportunities if we have enough adult volunteers to deliver them.

“As a volunteer myself, I know that it can be as much fun for us as it is for young people.

“We make friends and learn new skills along the way.

“So well done to every Scout and volunteer in Cumbria, you’re champions of our community.”