A TEENAGER who was unable to join the Army for health reasons will represent the Royal British Legion all over the UK.

After entering a competition, Scott Barber, 17, has been named youth standard bearer for the Lancashire branch.

Scott, of Olive Lane, Darwen, said he was unable to enlist in the Army himself, so this was the next best thing.

The former deputy standard bearer for the charity’s Darwen branch said: “I have got friends in the Army and I am in the Army cadets.

“I would love to join up myself, but my asthma prevents that, so this is my way of supporting all the troops, by flying the flag proudly for them.”

Scott, who will begin a motor mechanics apprenticeship in January, said he was delighted at his appointment. The former Darwen Aldridge Community Academy pupil said: “It is a great honour for me. I got involved with the Legion two years ago because other members of my family were members.

“Once I joined and saw our standard bearer, Bob Wood, in action, I knew that was what I wanted to do as well.

“I believe it is so important we support the troops in any way we can. At the end of the day, without the hard work and sacrifice of some of them over the years, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

Darwen Royal British Legion standard bearer and branch chairman Mr Wood said: “We need more young people like Scott to show their support for the Legion and getting involved in any way they can.”