A NEW leader has been appointed for the 300 members of Bishop Auckland Scout District.

Ian Johnson has taken up the role after holding appointments within the district for more than 20 years.

The role is to lead and support the leaders within the district who provide weekly meetings and activities for young people aged six to 25.

Mr Johnson, 39, said: "I am honoured to have been nominated for the role, and extremely pleased to take forward this district into the second century of scouting."

Mr Johnson first joined the scouts as an 11-year-old. While still a venture scout he took on an instructor role helping his local scout troop and in 1985 took on the role of assistant scout leader, a position that he has held until now.

Since 1990 he has also had responsibilities covering the whole district. He has been a district scout leader for ten years and for the past few years has been an assistant district commissioner.