A SCOUT leader who has been involved with the movement for more than 50 years has been appointed Teesdale district commissioner.

It is not the first time Colin Clarke, 71, has been given the position – he first accepted the job 22 years ago, before taking on the Bishop Auckland district commissioner job.

Mr Clarke, an assistant at Barnard Castle’s troop, became involved with scouting in the area in 1967. As district commissioner, he will encourage and promote scouting in the area and support the 300-plus scouts in Teesdale.

He said things had changed a lot since he first became a leader.

“Scouting has had to change and modernise over the years in order to bring it up to date,” he said. “The uniforms, the activities and the badges cubs and scouts go for are all different now.

“You can get a computing badge now, which was never around before.”

Mr Clarke, of Startforth, said scouting in County Durham was becoming more popular and he still enjoyed taking part.

“When scouting celebrated its 50th birthday in 1957, there was an article in The Times saying it would never last another 50 years. But they were obviously wrong.

“The camps and troop meetings are always very enjoyable and it’s a real pleasure seeing young people gain new confidence and skills through scouts.”

More adult volunteers are needed in Teesdale; for details, call Mr Clarke on 07802-855604.