A COMMUNITY Champion was invited to Alnwick Castle for the Coronation of King Charles III.

Hexham East's nominated Community Champion, David Hefferin, was a scout leader for more than 40 years at 1st Hexham Scout Group.

Stuart Ford, group scout leader at 1st Hexham Scout Group, and Hexham Town councillor Suzanne Fairless-Aitken nominated David for the title.

He has made 10 trips to Austria to date and 21 trips abroad, including Switzerland, Poland, Germany, France, Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary and Holland with the Scouting Association.

Cllr Fairless-Aitken said: "I estimate he has seen at least 400 young people through scouts.

"He was a key member of the subcommittee for the project that provided the building of the new Lookwide Centre at Maidens' Walk, Hexham.

"Though allegedly retired from official leadership, he always helps out and is down at the Lookwide Centre several times a week to help with the various sections and do jobs such as cleaning, painting and maintenance.

"He still helps with all Scout Sections for activities and nights away. Running programme nights providing advice and guidance for young people is invaluable in this current young persons' mental health crisis," she said.