TEEN author Beth Reekles, from Newport, has been included in the annual Scouts birthday honours, along with 12 famous names including Sir Bradley Wiggins, singer Jessie J and director Danny Boyle.

Birthday badges will be awarded to 13 celebrities today, as Scouting celebrates its 106th birthday. The awards are voted for by Scouts across the UK and are for public figures who have inspired young people and contributed to society.

Other names on the Honours List include Olympic and Paralympic heroes Jessica Ennis-Hill and David Weir, TV presenter Graham Norton, Dara O Briain and wildlife expert Chris Packham.

Beth Reekles, 18, winner of the writer badge, wrote romance novel The Kissing Booth, published by Random House as part of a three-book deal when she was just 17.

She advised hopeful writers: “Write a lot and read a lot – that’s what I did. They say practice makes perfect, so the more you write the better you get at it – if you want to write then there’s no-one stopping you!”

She added: “I had a great time at the 1st Rogerstone Beaver Group, where I received my medal – volunteering for the Scouts looks like a lot of fun, and it’s a nice thing to do for the community.”

Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: “The Scout Association is proud to recognise the award winners who have inspired young people over the last year.

“Across the UK, Scouts have voted for the people whose skills and commitment merit an honorary Scout badge. Inspiring young people is so important, and the badge recipients join the 100,000 adults across the UK who volunteer for the Scouts, and who inspire young people week in week out. I am super proud of all of them.”

Previous Birthday Badge recipients include Stephen Fry, Sir David Attenborough, Richard Hammond and Clare Balding.