FORMER colleagues of Scout leader Frank Beadle have paid tribute to the man they knew as Skip.

The 76-year-old died peacefully at his home in Yoredale Avenue, Darlington, after a battle against cancer.

A Scout enthusiast, Mr Beadle was admired by colleagues for his traditional values and enthusiasm for encouraging youngsters into his troop - the 8th Darlington Scout Group.

Mr Beadle wrote a touching farewell letter before he died, and sentiments have brought a flood of tributes.

In his letter, Mr Beadle wrote: "My only wish is that the 8th will carry on, that every effort would be put into that, rather than looking at what has been done.

"If it has made just one boy or girl better for having been in the 8th, it has all been worthwhile."

A lifelong Meccano fan, Mr Beadle was secretary of the North-East Meccano Society for many years.

Eric Musgrave, 77, a former Scout leader of the 7th Darlington Scout Group, who knew Mr Beadle for 33 years, said: "If you gave him a job to do, it would be done, and done properly.

"His death has saddened everyone who knew him. He was a traditional Scout leader, and he earned respect wherever he went. He will be sorely missed."

Jack Stannard, of the Barnard Castle Scout Group, said: "Everyone who knew him thought very highly of him."

The 8th Darlington Scout Group will form a guard of honour at his funeral, at Cockerton Methodist Church, which will be held today.