After spending a lifetime helping young people Shenley's Brian Williams was given a retirement send off and birthday party by the Scouts on Monday.

Brian has been chairman of Hertsmere Scouts for decades, but stood down because of deteriorating health. He was presented with a token gift, but the real reward was in the appreciation of the Scout leaders and organisers, who praised him for his tireless efforts building up the Scouts in Hertsmere.

He was given the honorary role of President of the District Scouts, and will attend functions throughout the year.

After the event Brian said he was sorry to be leaving his role as chairman, but pleased he would still be connected to Scouting in Hertfordshire.

"I started in the Scouts 62 years ago, when I was eight years of age. I was a bit of a cripple, and I found that in the Scouts I could express myself, and people wouldn't take the mickey out of my leg irons or crutches."

Later Brian became a Scout Leader, helping other boys to learn new skills, gain confidence and become more disciplined, and he carried on helping the organisation whenever and wherever possible over the years.

At the AGM Stuart Nagler, a former Scout who is now a magistrate and a member of Hertfordshire Police Authority, said Scouting was important, as very few young people who were involved in it got into trouble later in life.

Simon Ainley was made the new District Scout Council Chairman, and John Trawley the new District Commissioner.