Despite 74 years of good deeds, camp fires and knot-tying 82-year-old Jack Stannard is still a boy Scout at heart.

He was eight when he joined the Cubs in Barnard Castle, County Durham, and started enjoying weekly get-togethers with his friends in an old hut.

Now as an honorary Scout leader, he is still active within the movement, testing boys for their badges or giving them special instruction.

Mr Stannard, who used to be a wine and spirits manager, said: 'I don't think there will be anyone in Britain with more years in Scouting. I should think I'll carry on until I peg out."

After his early years in the Cubs he moved on to the Scouts and Rover Scouts before becoming a leader.

Even when called up for the Second World War, he helped the movement.

During RAF service at Dyce, in Aberdeen, he helped run a Cub pack. When transferred to the Army, he assisted a Scout troop in Scarborough.

As soon as he was demobbed, he went back to helping run the 1st Barnard Castle Scouts. His wife, Joan, joined in as well, serving as chairman of the Scout committee for 29 years.

At the couple's home in Barnard Castle, Mr Stannard said: "Scout leaders normally have to retire at 65, but Durham County officials made me an honorary leader so I could continue.

"It is a wonderful movement which has taught many thousands of boys to lead good lives.

"I still get a lot of pleasure from working with them but I'm rather old for camps, as I have a bit of a struggle getting into a sleeping bag."

Over the years he has received the highest honours in Scouting - a medal of merit and bar, a silver acorn and a silver wolf.

As well as helping the local troop, he attends about six county meetings a year in Durham.

His brother, Ken, also gave long service to the Scout movement but retired some years ago.

Colin Clarke, chairman of the Barnard Castle Scout group, said: "Jack has given marvellous service to Scouting. I've never heard of anyone being involved for so long."