FRANK Willis joined the Scouts when he was eight years old - and he has been hooked ever since.

Now the 72-year-old, from Middlestone Moor, near Spennymoor, is to receive one of the Scouting movement's highest accolades after more than 50 years' service.

The pensioner will be awarded the Silver Acorn for distinguished service as part of the St George's Day awards on Tuesday, April 23.

He said: "I am greatly honoured. You don't actually go into these things to get awards, you give a service.

"Working with young people, seeing their development throughout the years, has been very good.

"It's a great pleasure when somebody comes up to you and says 'hello Mr Willis, I was in the Scouts in 1955 and I really enjoyed it'."

Mr Willis became a Rover Scout during National Service then took up a position as Scout leader with the 3rd Spennymoor Scout Group in 1951.

He has held a number of roles since then, including looking after the Scout section in Bishop Auckland District for seven years, and for a time acting as District Commissioner.

He still remains as district president and district badge secretary at Bishop Auckland and has no plans to leave.

He said: "I'll be here for another few years at least.''

Mr Willis has opted to receive his award at Bishop Auckland District's annual meeting on June 17, from County Commissioner Hilary Phillips.