Two young Bermudians have made the grade with the top award in Scouting.

The rank of Queen's Scout was given to 17-year-old Benjamin Beasley and 20-year-old Collin Anderson at a special ceremony in York Minster, York, England, by UK Chief Scout George Purdy.

And the pair are believed to be the first young Bermudians to reach the honour in nearly four years.

Benjamin and Collin joined the scouts about the same time six years ago and, although they were never Cub Scouts, both said they adapted easily.

Scout Commissioner Robert Hay described the pair as "upstanding role-models''.

He added: "We can expect to hear good things from them in the future. Being a Queen's Scout speaks for itself. We're delighted they gone to the top of scouting.'' "From the start, I consistently worked to become a Queen's Scout,'' Mr.

Anderson said recently.

Mr. Beasley said he did not become serious about the pinnacle in scouting until a year-and-a-half ago when he became a Venture Scout.

The Venture Scouts -- which except for Bermuda and Canada include young women -- is for older scouts who must show leadership and responsibility, international involvement, and creative pursuits.

The two explained that Venture Scouts who want to become Queen's Scouts must reach an even higher standard, particularly planning their various activities.

Venture Scouts' activities are centred around community and social services and a four or five day cross-country expedition.

They must show the highest proficiency in Scoutcraft and prepare a report on their activities.

This report is reviewed by the District Commissioner and is passed on to the Unit Executive Committee who make the award.

Mr. Beasley explained: "My expedition in the Brecons in Wales is a once in a lifetime experience. I hiked for 16 days. I was a patrol leader and I also attended the 1995 Jamboree in Dronten, Holland.'' "I also have the Duke of Edinburgh Gold award, which is promoted by Scouting,'' Mr. Beasley added. "It made sense to go for the Queen's Scout once you have other awards.'' Mr. Anderson's attachment to an H.M. Coast Guard station at Haniwitt Major, Wales, put him in good stead for selection.

He attends the College of Insurance in New York where he is studying insurance and risk management.

Mr. Beasley will be attending the University of New Brunswick in Canada where he will study history and teaching.

Both are attached to Scout Troops in New Brunswick and New York and intend to continue when they return to Bermuda.

The ceremony took place on March 14 in the ancient York Minster Cathedral and more than 70 others were made Queen's Scouts.

Mr. Beasley had the honour of making an impromptu speech before the gathered audience on behalf of all of the newly-badged Queen's Scouts.

He said: "I tried to show all the good that scouting does. It is not just camping. It's worthwhile.'' Both young paid tribute to their parents, scout commissioner Robert Hay, former Commissioner Dr. Vincent John, and Scout leaders Gary Dowling and Gigi Bertoli.