A COURAGEOUS boy, struck down by a rare terminal illness, has been awarded a top scouting honour.

Michael Strangwood, aged eight, is now blind, deaf and cannot speak after being diagnosed with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) in March. But despite his suffering the youngster has amazed family, friends and teachers with his bravery as he battles the illness - brought to the public's attention in the Hollywood film Lorenzo's Oil.

Now the country's top Scouting boss, Chief Scout George Purdy, has officially recognised the youngster's bravery in a personally penned citation.

It is only the second Chief Scout's Commendation for Meritorious Conduct to be awarded by the Scout Association in the region in 11 years. Nationally only five are awarded each year.

And for County Commissioner Alan Lee, MBE, the presentation to the special child proved to be an emotional occasion.

Mr Lee said: "I was so touched that I could not finish reading the citation. This is the fastest that I have ever known an award be processed. My colleagues in London moved Heaven and Earth to approve the award. He is such an amazing, good looking little boy and he and his family have been tremendously brave."

Michael, dressed in full Scouts uniform, was watched by youngsters and leaders from his Cub Scout group the 7th Bolton North (Astley Bridge Methodist) for the special ceremony.

The presentation came just hours before he was admitted to Booth Hall Children's Hospital, Manchester, for an operation to insert a feeding tube into his stomach.

The operation comes after his condition affected his swallowing, making it difficult to eat.

Cub Scout leader Janine Brookes, who penned a letter to Mr Purdy describing Michael's courage prompting the award, admitted it had been an emotional occasion.

In her letter she wrote: "The last time I visited I had to hold his hand so he knew where I was as his eyesight is not good and his hearing is very poor yet Michael entertained me with jokes complete with actions.

"He really made me laugh. Later when someone asked me how he was my reply was simply that 'It's like the sun shines from his face. He was wonderful'."

Michael, who lives with his parents, Paul and Pam, and brother Andrew, aged seven, had moved into Cubs on his eighth birthday from the Beavers.

He had been a keen member of the football team and had attended his first camp in July last year.

Tragically Michael has now had to leave school and give up the Cubs as his condition rapidly deteriorated, with doctors suggesting it will only be a few months before he plunges into a vegetative state.

The condition, which only affects a handful of boys, means Michael's body does not produce an enzyme which breaks down fatty acids. It means his senses have been rapidly impaired and the disorder has now affected his legs and hands.

But last night Janinee again highlighted Michael's courageous fight, adding: "There were a lot of tears at the presentation. I just felt very strongly that something should be done to recognise Michael's bravery. When he attended Cubs he was such a lovely little boy. He deserves this recognition."

His parents were at their son's bedside yesterday as he continued to recover from the recent operation.

Pam spoke of their pride at their son's special award.

She said: "It is fantastic news. I think it's brilliant that he has got it. He deserves it."