TRIBUTES have been paid to Darwen Scouts chairman Bill Watson, who has died after a six-month battle with cancer.

Mr Watson was involved in the Scouting movement for just under half a century, receiving the most prestigious award for an "exceptional contribution".

The 67-year-old grandfather, who began scouting in 1955, was today described as an "invaluable force behind the movement".

He was awarded the Silver Wolf Award this year when he was county chairman and president of the Blackburn district Scouts. The prestigious accolade is reserved as a special gift from the Chief Scout.

In 1976 he was awarded the Silver Acorn Award for his "especially distinguished" service to the movement, having previously accepted a Medal of Merit.

Chris Creelman, Lancashire Scouting Commissioner, said: "I took over from Bill and he was my right-hand man. He had a wealth of experience and was known for his quiet counsel.

"It is hard to quantify the hundreds of leaders, Scouts and colleagues whose lives he has touched. He will be sadly missed and it is a tremendous loss to us all."

John East, district commissioner for Darwen Scouts, said: "Bill has adopted nearly every position of responsibility there is to take from assistant district commissioner, district commissioner as well as assistant county commissioner for leader training and public relations.

"He was one of the driving forces behind the Bowley Camp and was an invaluable force behind the movement. He was always full of ideas."

Mr Watson leaves a wife and two daughters.