A former Sheppey Scout leader marked the end of 46 years of service at a surprise party in her honour.

Shirley Wilson retired from Eastchurch-based 5th Sheppey Scouts over Christmas, although she will continue to be a member of the group’s committee as well as a caterer for county-wide events.

The 79-year-old, of High Street, Eastchurch, first got involved when her son wanted to join.

She said: “My son was eight, because you don’t start until you are eight, and they asked if I could help and I started helping and I got dragged into it.

“I shall miss it terribly.

"Going to different camps, we’ve been to Belgium, we’ve been abroad twice, we’ve been up to the north two or three times.

“I think it is the boys I shall miss the most. Not all the paperwork, they brought so many rules and regulations now it’s beyond a joke. All this health and safety, but there you are.”

Scouting runs in the family as Shirley’s son Melvin is District Commissioner (DC) for Sheppey, her daughter-in-law Jane is DC for Kent.

Her grandson Jamie is scoutmaster for the same group she used to lead.

Shirley thought she was just going for a meal when her husband Dennis, son and daughter-in-law took her to the Shurland Hotel, Eastchurch, for the surprise party and presentation on January 5.

About 100 attended, including scouters who had worked with her over the years.

Mayor of Swale Cllr Pat Sandle presented Shirley with a plaque to commemorate her voluntary work.