by Emma Grove

A teenager has become the first in Kent for more than 15 years to be honoured with the highest award in scouting for bravery.

Explorer scout Hannah Walker was nominated for the award for helping a fellow student after a serious accident on the Isle of Sheppey.

When a heating duct collapsed during an exam at Minster College on May 12 this year, Hannah injured her back, but still found time to help fellow pupils.

Her quick actions managed to save another teenager from major injury.

Hannah, 15, received the Gilt Cross from Kelvin Holford, the Kent County Commissioner for Scouts at a presentation at Trinity Church Hall in Sheerness.

She was nominated by her group, the Sheppey Aviation Explorer Unit.

Hannah pushed the girl, who was sitting in front of her, to the side, out of the way of the falling heating duct.

Part of the duct struck Hannah on her right temple, and she said it wasn’t until she had got outside the sports hall she realised she had blood all down her right-hand side.

Before worrying about herself, she even put another pupil’s arm in a sling.

Hannah, who lives in Sheerness with her parents and younger brother and sister, then calmly put herself into the recovery position and awaited assistance by paramedics and teachers.

The injury she sustained to her back resulted in a permanent compression fracture, which still causes her trouble.

Hannah, who is studying for her GCSEs at the academy’s west site, said: “I still feel it in my back now – I do GCSE dance and I struggle but I get on with it.

“I had first aid experience at the scouts which helped massively.

“I didn’t know I was going to get the award, I was surprised but I feel proud of myself.

“The presentation was fabulous – it was really great because all the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts were there.”

Hannah’s dad Andrew, who is district leader, said: “I didn’t find out what Hannah had done until afterwards.

“As a parent I’m very proud and as a scout I’m extremely proud.”

Mr Walker also said it was good to know the youngsters do take in the things they are taught in scouting, as Hannah’s actions show.

Jane Wilson, district commissioner for Sheppey Scouts, said: “There has not been an award of this kind in Kent for at least 15 years – we are very proud of Hannah she is a credit to her generation.

“It’s very very rare this award is given away.”