Ryan Halls' efforts impressed the Deputy Mayor of West Norfolk, Cllr Michael Langwade, when he was invited to an open day at the regenerated pond. He made the nomination supported by the leader of the 7th Lynn Scouts, Janice Minns.

Mrs Minns explained that Ryan decided to do something for the community as part of his Chief Scout's Gold Award.

To help clear and enhance the derelict pond next to the Scout HQ in South Lynn, he applied for and received an £8,000 grant from the Norfolk Youth Fund.

With the help of the grant and volunteers' efforts, the pond area has now been fenced. Benches have been positioned and trees and plants have been used to landscape the area. Improved access for angling has been provided by the Environment Agency.

Mrs Minns said: "The area is now being used continually by people of all ages for fishing and relaxing."

Cllr Langwade said: "I was most impressed with what this young man has achieved for the benefit of the community and feel he is most worthy of formal recognition for his efforts."

Ryan (14), of North Wootton, had meetings with the South Lynn Development Officer and West Norfolk Council's Open Spaces team to discuss his plans. He also visited the supplier of benches for the new pond area, Bollards International.

Mrs Minns said many people and groups had worked together to make the project achievable, including the Safer Neighbourhood Team, the local Clean-Up Team and local residents.

"Another scout arranged an environmental weekend for his Gold award. All the beavers, cubs and scouts planted trees and plants in the scout HQ area and cleared a great deal of rubbish from the pond area," she added.

Ryan is now a Young Leader with the scouts and is also an air cadet.