REG Hayes, believed to be Britain's longest serving Scout has died.

The Cowley resident died yesterday afternoon at the age of 99 after being in hospital.

He retired from Scouting in 2010 after serving in the 2nd Oxford SS Mary and St John Scout Group for 87 years and had been the district commissioner for Cowley.

The bachelor and only child was awarded the prestigious Silver Wolf award for exceptional services to Scouting in 1990.

Close friend and fellow Scouting volunteer Fred Mogridge said: “I saw him in hospital about 10 days ago and he was in a fairly poor state, but it didn’t seem desperate.

“He was a very conscientious person and had love of Scouting. He really devoted his life to it.  He got every recognition within Scouting that you could get.” 

See our story from 2010 about Mr Hayes' retirement from his beloved Scouting after 85 years' service.

Oxford Mail: Reg, centre back, as a young Wolf Cub in 1925

Reg, centre back, as a young Wolf Cub in 1925

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