THERE was standing room only as hundreds of mourners packed a village church yesterday to pay tribute to a much-loved Scout leader.

Andy Muckley was a Scout leader in the County Durham area for more than 30 years.

He founded the Heighington Scouts group in 1972 and the Newton Aycliffe group in 1974, and was involved in the Scouting Association's work across the region.

Angela Fawcett, Cub Scout leader in Heighington, said: "He wasn't just our leader, he was part of our family."

The 58-year-old was diagnosed with liver cancer in December. He died at his home in Houghton-le-Side, near Heighington, on Saturday, April 24 - six months after he and wife, Carol, were married.

His friend, Professor John Coulthard, spoke at the funeral at St Michael's Church, describing Mr Muckley as a kind, gentle and considerate person.

He was honoured in 2000 when he was named Newton Aycliffe's citizen of the year for his work with young people.

Essex-born Mr Muckley travelled the country photographing railway stations as a youngster.

The pictures form a unique archive of the branch lines and stations that have since disappeared, and are still used by publishers.

He studied psychology at Birmingham University and taught English at the famous Gordonstoun School, in Scotland. Later, he became a psychologist at the Aycliffe Young People's Centre, Newton Aycliffe, specialising in child arsonists.

Prof Coulthard said: "He was larger than life, sometimes described as a Peter Pan character, always wearing shorts, no matter what the weather, and because of his youthful enthusiasm for any project."

"We will miss his booming voice and winning smile."

At Mr Muckley's request, Ivan Brentnall, Chief Commissioner of the Baden Powell Scouts, read the last message Baden Powell gave to Scouts before his death in 1942.

Mr Muckley was awarded a medal of merit by the Scouts Association for his work.

Local scouts and scout leaders formed a guard of honour at the church.