A GREENFORD scout was among 72 from eight London districts to win a Jack Petchey Achievement Award.

The annual awards ceremony took place at Kensington Great Hall, and among the winners was 17-year-old Varun Kholi.

Varun was told he had won the award by his leader three weeks before the ceremony.

He is studying at Greenford High School sixth form and is looking forward to competing his Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award this summer.

He added: " I cannot wait to do something else for charity, to help me progress and grow as a person."

Varun said the scouts had changed his life in many ways and had moulded him as a person, boosted his confidence and made him take part in activities such as archery, pioneering, cooking and badge work, things he never imagined doing.

All 72 winners were awarded a medallion, framed certificates and a cheque for £200.

The Jack Petchey Foundation is dedicated to helping young people by funding campaigns and programmes such as Speak Out, the world's largest public speaking competition..

Petchey is known for being one of the UK's most successful businessmen, setting up his own car hire business after leaving school at the age of 14. The foundation has donated £70m to schools clubs and youth projects across London.