THE longest-serving Scout in Kidderminster has died.

Ted Ebury, 93, who served the movement for 85 years, passed away peacefully at Kidderminster Hospital.

Kidderminster district Scout commissioner Dave Denton paid tribute to the man who inspired generations of town Scouts.

He said: "Ted was a dedicated Scouter to the end. He joined our Golden Jubilee camp at Rhydd Covert in July and was very active all day.

"He was very much for fair play and was always there to give wise counsel. We hope for a big turnout of Scouts present and past at his funeral."

Earlier this month Mr Ebury, of Sion Hill, Kidderminster, published his memories and experiences in A Potted History of Rhydd Covert Camping Ground.

Two weeks ago he said in the Shuttle/Times & News: "It is a history for people to look back on in years to come."

Kidderminster-born Mr Ebury moved to Birmingham as a young boy and his father encouraged him to join the Cubs aged eight.

His father died in the flu epidemic of 1918 and the fledgling Scout spent six years in a Birmingham orphanage.

He got his first taste of Scout leadership a short while after returning to Kidderminster when he became patrol leader of the St Mary's troop in 1925.

In 1933 he established his own group in Broadwaters, which became known as Wolverley Scouts.

After service in the Second World War he was asked to become district secretary for three months.

He ended up in the post for 47 years.

When he retired from the post the Scout Association awarded him the Silver Wolf medal - the biggest honour in the movement.

Mr Ebury, a widower, leaves a son Richard.

His funeral will be held at St Mary's Church, Kidderminster, on Monday at 2pm.

Donationsare requested for the British Heart Foundation.