SIXTH Newport St John’s Scout group learnt about democracy and scams during recent visits to County Hall.

The group of local scouts and cubs visited the council chamber and heard from macebearer Steve Hammond as part of their local knowledge scouting activity badge.

The Isle of Wight Council mace, hallmarked London 1696, is a base metal of silver, dipped in a gilt of silver and gold. In a tradition dating back to Roman times, a mace was carried at the front of a procession of authority figures.

For this reason, it enters the council chamber in advance of full council meetings today.

Mr Hammond also took his scouting promise during the visit — a first for the council chamber.

He said: "I've been involved with scouting since I was eight years old, having previously been a scout leader on the mainland.

"Scouting has supported me during difficult times in my life, so I am proud to now be scout leader for Sixth Newport.

"My leader name is Mace, so it was really nice to share this part of my life with the scouts."

In their efforts to learn more about people with roles within our community, the scouts also met council chairman, councillor George Cameron.

He said: “Their enthusiasm for learning about local democracy and the role of the council in the community was really great to see.

“It was a pleasure to meet such an engaged group of young people, who I hope will be inspired to get involved in the youth council in the future.”

The following week, the group was visited by IWASP (Isle of Wight Against Scams Partnership).

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