A KNUTSFORD scout leader is celebrating 50 years of devoted service to the world’s longest running youth movement.

79-year-old Tony Leadbeater of Ashworth Park began his scouting career 72 years ago and has continued his service in the same community ever since.

Among his many accolades during his time with the scouts, in 2014 the father-of-two was awarded the Scout Association’s highest award the Silver Wolf, which was presented to him by Chief Scout Bear Grylls.

“I have got a terrific amount out of scouting,” said Tony.

“I joined 1st Knutsford Scouts and enjoyed every minute of it. When I was 18 I was asked to become a leader.

“When I came out of the army I got married and we went to live in Didsbury and I was getting my qualifications to be a chartered engineer so I was out of the game for seven years.

“As soon as I got back to Knutsford they were like ‘he’s back in Knutsford’ and I was straight back in in.”

Tony helped to form the 5th Knutsford Scouts and has since become a member of the Knutsford District Council, interviewing all of the potential leaders for Knutsford.

In 2009 he was asked to form and chair the new District Appointments Advisory Committee, taking on the challenge and recruiting 11 people to the AAC of all ages and backgrounds.

“The reason the Scouts is so successful in Knutsford is because we have moved with the times,” said Tony. “We have got parents of children who are two years old putting them on the waiting list to get them in.

“I feel I get so much out of scouting, I just want to give the youth of today the same opportunities.

“The parents want to get them away from the television and all the games, and we get them into camp and suddenly they aren’t the slightest bit worried about Xbox or mobile phones.”

Tony was nominated for the Silver Wolf award in secret, and was described by the district commissioner and other district scouters as ‘reliable, completely dependable and one of the most recognisable people in scouting in Knutsford District.’

As a member of Cheshire Scout Executive Council, he aided as the building consultant to various building and development projects for the Scouts, and is heavily supporting 1st Knutsford Scouts appeal to help fund a new headquarters.

“We have had some terrible headquarters in the past, and now this one also needs replacing.

“Scouting is great for the people of Knutsford. Each group has a patrol leader who gets to take charge, they have to do their own cooking and look after themselves. It builds character.”

For more information about the 1st Scouts fundraising campaign visit knutsfordscouts.org.uk/1sthq