Scouting honour for Frank

From the Northern Echo, first published Thursday 11th Apr 2002.

FRANK Willis first joined the Scouts when he was eight years old and has been involved with the organisation ever since.

Now the 72-year-old, from Middlestone Moor, near Spennymoor, is to receive one of the Scout movement's highest accolades after more than 50 years service.

Mr Willis will be officially presented with the Silver Acorn for distinguished service as part of the St George's Day awards on April 23.

He said: "I am greatly honoured. You don't actually go into these things to get awards, you give a service. Working with young people, seeing their development throughout the years has been very good.

Mr Willis became a Rover Scout during National Service before becoming Scout leader with the 3rd Spennymoor Scout Group in 1951.

He has held a number of different roles since then, including looking after the Scout section in Bishop Auckland District for seven years, and for a time acting as District Commissioner.

He still remains as district president and district badge secretary at Bishop Auckland and has no plans to leave. He said: "I'll be here for another few years at least.''

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