A PORTISHEAD schoolboy has been awarded the Chief Scout’s Commendation for meritorious conduct.

Harry Wagg, who attends High Down Junior School, met the Queen and adventurer, TV presenter and chief scout Bear Grylls at a ceremony to celebrate Scouts at Windsor Castle.

The 11-year-old received the commendation in recognition of his enthusiasm for scouting while helping to care for his mother.

Harry’s mum, Yvonne Stanley, suffers from non-epileptic attack disorder (NEAD), which means she can have a seizure at any time.

Yvonne says she is able to maintain her independence thanks to Harry, who supervises any activities she carries out which could result in her causing injury to herself or others if she suffers a seizure; these range from bathing or showering to ironing and cooking.

Yvonne said: “I am so proud of Harry and am really pleased that others have recognised how brilliant he is.”

Harry was nominated for the award by his cub scout group in Derbyshire in 2011, before the family moved to Portishead.

Yvonne suffered a seizure while dropping Harry off at the scout hut and his leaders were impressed with the maturity he showed, keeping a level head and knowing exactly what to do until his mother recovered.

Harry is now a member of 2nd Portishead Scouts.

Yvonne added: “We were thrilled to get a letter in January inviting us to the National Scout Service at Windsor Castle but we had no idea we were going to meet the Queen and Prince Philip until we arrived. Harry was first to meet them and had quite a long chat with them both.”

Harry says that most of the time he is just a normal 11-year-old who likes playing football and computer games.

Headteacher Jon Wood said: “Harry is a huge asset to our school, we are incredibly proud of his achievements and pupils were amazed to hear about his meeting with the Queen and Bear Grylls in assembly this week.”