A POPULAR scout leader who fulfilled many public duties within his community has been remembered.

John Frederick Thompson, of High Etherley, near Bishop Auckland, died aged 73, last Friday.

Mr Thompson held a number of roles including assistant scout leader from 1951 to 1957 at 1st Chilton, and assistant scout leader from 1951 to 1965 and scout leader from 1965 to 1970 at 1st St Helen Auckland.

He was also the chairman of 1st Etherley scouts and was district secretary for Teesdale scouts since 1991.

Between 1994 and 2000, Mr Thompson was the district secretary for Bishop Auckland scouts.

As a keen collector of scout badges and memorabilia, he was also made the county archivist for Durham Scouts.

Mr Thompson's wife of 51 years, Dorothy, said: "Scouting really was John's life.

"He was always someone who wanted to help, but he never wanted to make a fuss."

Colin Clarke, a former district commissioner for both Bishop Auckland and Teesdale, said: "John had a great knowledge of the scout movement and I certainly valued his support in Teesdale and also in Bishop Auckland. We will all miss him very much."

Mr Thompson was a police officer for more than 32 years and retired as an inspector in 1988, having worked in Tyneside, Hartlepool and at County Durham headquarters in Aykley Heads, Durham.

His son, Stephen, said: "He was a very good man and was very much loved and respected by his two children and five grandchildren."

Mr Thompson also sat on Etherley Parish Council and served as both chairman and vice-chairman.

Alison Overfield, parish council clerk, said: "I worked with John for many years - not only was he a lovely person, but he was also very dedicated to the parish council."

His funeral will take place at Durham Crematorium on Monday at noon. Donations in lieu of flowers to Durham County Scouts.