A MAN whose early years as a boy scout involved collecting scrap metal to help the war effort following the outbreak of the Second World War, has been recognised for his long service to scouting in Kidderminster.

Brian Wood, 86, has held a wide range of roles with Kidderminster and District Scouts Association over the last half a century and received the Chief Scout’s Award for 50 years’ service.

But his connection with scouting goes back an amazing 78 years and he fondly recalls joining a local group in his native Yorkshire as an eight-year-old.

He said: “I well remember us scouts being sent around the area to collect anything metal such as railings and pots and pans which would then be melted down and turned into tanks for our troops.

“I learned such a lot and had great fun during my time as a boy scout and it is still a marvellous way for young people to learn all the skills they need for their adult life.”

Mr Wood, who lives at Comberton in Kidderminster, came south to work in the town’s carpet industry in 1957.

After his sons joined the KD1 Sea Scouts in 1964, he became a committee member and then secretary before taking up roles on the Wyre Forest district executive where he served as chairman for 16 years.

One of his proudest achievements was to introduce the Pledge Plod fund-raising initiative to help put Kidderminster Scouting finances on a sound footing.

The first Plod in 1970 raised £1,000 and it has since contributed more than £125.000 to Scouting in the district.

Mr Wood said: “It will be the Plod’s 50th anniversary in 2020 and I want to be taking part as an 88-year-old with members of my family. It will be a very special occasion for me.”