The long-serving leader of Twickenham's oldest scout group will hang up his neckerchief and woggle for the last time after more than 40 years of service.

Harry Peters, 47, of Strawberry Hill, is standing down in August - leaving an empty space in urgent need of being filled.

Mr Peters joined the 13th Twickenham scouts in 1970 as a cub and said he quickly discovered the joys and challenges of camping, and other activities, that led to lifelong friendships and memories.

He said: “The best thing is seeing young people develop from being quite timid when they first come in to becoming young adults, taking up the challenges we offer them.

“In scouting, you tend to never want to leave because of the camaraderie you form, the friendships you make along the way that last for life and the ability to be there as a guide and friend.”

Having been in the scout movement for four decades, Mr Peters has seen many changes, among them the inclusion of girls which he said had encouraged people from all walks of life to join in.

He said: “Scouting has become more accessible to more people, with the inclusion of girls, people with disabilities as well as people from ethnic minorities.

“Back then we were compared to an army style mentality but we have softened. We're still very enthusiastic and can offer people the chance to mix away from school and things like peer pressure.”

Mr Peters, whose two teenage sons also joined the scout group, said he was standing down from the role to rest and enjoy family time but said he would always be involved with the group.

The 13th Twickenham scouts, which celebrated its centenary in 2008, has been struggling to find a successor to lead the voluntary organisation and is urgently looking for one.

Mr Peters said: “The difficulty is mainly due to the catchment area we're in. A lot of parents are heavily involved in work commitments and lack the time, or they don't know about the enjoyment they can get out of scouting.”

Any potential candidates interested in finding out more about becoming leader of the 13th Twickenham scouts should contact Mr Peters at harrypeters@btinternet.com.