A determined cub scout has proven he is a master of all trades after earning every badge available.

Eleven-year-old Joe Riley, who is a member of 2nd Bollington Cubs, has collected so many badges that he has run out of space on his arm.

His extraordinary achievement - which has included hundreds of hours of extra work - has taken him just three years.

Colin Wright, who is one of the leaders of the Second Bollington cubs, said it is a very rare feat for a cub to achieve all 59 badges available.

He said: “We do badge work on pack nights but we encourage the cubs to do extra work to collect other badges - Joe has gone outside the regular sessions to earn even more badges.

“He’s learned horse riding, martial arts, he’s learned to sail with his family and he’s got his collecting badge - all things he’s had to go out and do on his own.”

He added: “This is the first one we’ve ever had in Bollington - it’s very rare.”

Joe Riley, Joe Wainwright and Iolo Foat were all presented with their 'Silver Award' in recognition of the badges they have recieved

Joe’s badges include 37 activity badges, eight challenge badges and 14 ‘staged’ badges, which are awarded for cub camps and away days.

Joe, who is also a Sixer, was presented with a ‘Silver Award’ alongside fellow cubs Joe Wainwright and Iolo Foat, which recognised the cubs’ achievements before moving on to the Second Bollington Scout Group.

Leader Colin said: “We’re very proud of Joe.

“He is what you consider to be an exemplary cub, he’s well mannered, polite, and diligent.”

He added: “It’s really great because it gives [leaders] something back.

“We give up one night a week and a couple of weekend a year to organise camps and meetings, and when someone goes and does all this extra because they are enjoying it is extra special.”

Andrew Thorpe, from The Scout Association, added: “It’s a brilliant achievement to earn every Cub Scout Badge. Each badge covers and individual skill and to earn them is a great adventure.

“None of the life changing experiences that are on offer through Scouting would be possible without our amazing volunteers so a big thank you to everyone that helped make this achievement possible.”

Joe, who is a pupil at Bollington Cross Primary School, said: "It's been great trying to collect all the badges and I am very please to have done so many with the Cubs."

His mum Susie added: "I am very proud of Joe, he has endless enthusiasm for trying new things and he has show steely determination to succeed in gaining all his badges, he has had lots of fun along the way and wonderful support from the cub leaders in his pack."

The Second Bollington Scout Group meets at the Scout Hut on Albert Road every Wednesday from 6.30pm until 8pm.

While there is a waiting list for members, there is a shortage of leaders.

If anyone is able to spare time to help out during some of the evenings go to mcscouts.org.uk.

Joe Riley, Joe Wainwright and Iolo Foat were all presented with their 'Silver Award' in recognition of the badges they have recieved