Chief Scout Bear Grylls

Television adventurer Bear Grylls has been appointed head of the UK’s Scouting movement for a further three years.

The Scout Association announced he will continue as Chief Scout until 2018.

More than half a million young people and adult leaders belong to the association, the country’s largest co-educational movement.

Scouting still plays an important role in introducing children and teenagers to outdoor activities.

Bear Grylls said: “I am so proud that the largest youth movement on the planet has asked me to continue in my role as UK Chief Scout.

“Between now and 2018, I plan to do all that I possibly can to help the movement continue to grow, become more reflective of the communities in which it works and change the lives of even more young people.

“In addition I really want to give young people a powerful voice at the very heart of the movement so they can actively help shape and develop the future of the movement for the next 100 years.”

The 40-year-old adventurer was first appointed Chief Scout in 2009, 11 years after climbing Everest.

Wayne Bulpitt, the Scout Association’s UK chief commissioner, said: “We are delighted that Bear has agreed to continue in his role as UK Chief Scout. He has made such an incredible contribution to the movement over the past five years and has really helped us to expand Scouting within Britain’s local communities.

“Scouting gives young people the chance to experience real adventure and have fun, while allowing them to develop the skills they need to succeed in the modern world.

“All young people should have the opportunity to give Scouting a try, and we look forward to working with Bear over the next four years, as we take everyday adventure to even more communities across the country.”