"To even be nominated for an award like this is great, but to have won is an amazing feeling. It’s always nice to be recognised by people outside of the sport, and to see the list of previous Birthday Badge winners lets you know how big a deal this is. The previous winners list is really impressive, and to join them is fantastic.

"I hope what I’ve achieved this year, and what the England team will hopefully achieve in Delhi in October, will inspire more and more people to get involved in squash. England Squash & Racketball is doing a great job encouraging grassroots participation and hopefully we’ll see more squash players honoured in future Birthday Badge celebrations."

Chief Scout Bear Grylls congratulated Nick and suggested that he was an inspiration to adults and young people everywhere to get involved in Scouting. He drew particular attention to the need for adult volunteers to tackle the Scout waiting list of 33,500:

"Scouting is proud to recognise those who have inspired young people during the past year. Across the UK, young people have voted for those who have demonstrated the skills that are required to attain an honorary Scout badge. Inspiring young people is vitally important and Nick joins the thousands of ordinary adults across the UK who inspire young people week in week out in their normal leadership roles. Heroes, one and all."

Nathan Dean, also from Sheffield, who helped present the Birthday Badges, said:

"It was really tough when I voted as there were so many excellent choices in each category. I voted for Nick because he’s worked really hard to get to Number 1 in the world at squash which is simply amazing.

"I’ve really enjoyed my time as a Scout, it’s built my confidence, expanded my horizons and allowed me to try things I would never otherwise have done."