DEVOTING more than half his life to the Scout movement is nothing to shout about, according to Mr Fred Hughes.

But the Scout Association disagreed and last week it presented him with an award for 40 years service.

Mr Hughes (75) of Selby Walk, Bury, joined the 13th Radcliffe (Ainsworth Road Methodists) Scouts as a youngster, before leaving to join the Sea Cadets when he was 15.

When his son Geoffrey, now 52, became a member of the 3rd Radcliffe Scouts Mr Hughes joined the parents' committee.

"The troop was in danger of folding because the leader left and when I was asked to fill the position, I agreed," he said.

He was the leader for eight years and this was followed by 22 years as warden of the Giant's Seat campsite.

For the past ten years he has been booking secretary for the camp.

He was presented with his award by county commissioner Anne McClean.

"I didn't get involved with the Scouts for public recognition," he said modestly. "I did it because I thought it was a chance to do something worthwhile."