MORE than 70 years since he proudly wore the uniform of the 16th St Thomas Scouts group for the first time, Bill Brackley returned to help celebrate their centenary...and offer a fine example for the youngsters to follow.

Bill, who turns 78 this month, was one of more than 150 adults and children who attended a service of thanksgiving held at St Thomas Church in Peter Street as beavers, cubs, scouts, explorers and leaders from the current group were joined by former members of 50 years ago.

Bill, from Billinge, joined the group as a cub scout at the age of seven in 1945 and gradually worked his way through the scouts, senior scouts and rover scouts, gaining the highest award in as a young person - the Queens Scout Award in 1956.

Now the group president and chairman, he e has been awarded two of the highest awards in scouting, the medal of merit and silver acorn for outstanding service to scouting and all its young members.

Terry Gregson, of St Helens Scouts, said: "Bill is a remarkable but unassuming man who has given his life to helping young people get the most out of their Scouting experience. He deserves recognition."

The guests of honour were the Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens Geoff and Carol Pearl.

The scout group was formed in 1915 and is still going strong at their base at St Mary’s and St Thomas Primary School in Barton Close.