HE STARTED in Scouting back in the days when they were called Boy Scouts, wore big hats and shorts and did their daily Good Deed.

After almost 70 years as a member of the movement, Keith Daniels, of Goytre, has been presented with a certificate signed by the Chief Scout Bear Grylls, to mark 50 years of adult service to Scouting in Wales.

Mr Daniels, 76, who was born in Merthyr Tydfil, joined as a Wolf Cub during the Second World War, in 1943.

Having been successively a Scout in Cardiff, chairman for two years from 1972 of the 3rd Newbridge Group, district cub leader for Abercarn and Newbridge, assistant district commissioner for Cubs, ADC for leader training and assistant county commissioner for Cubs, he is still serving Gwent’s 2,500 boys and girls in the Scouting movement as vice-chairman of the county executive.

Mr Daniels came to Gwent in 1961, the year of his marriage to Joan, who was deeply involved in fundraising for the Girl Guides.

Their two daughters Peta and Luci, both now in their forties, were both Guides.

“On the outside, Scouting seems to have changed quite a lot in all those years,” Mr Daniels said. “Nowadays, activities can include canoeing and rock-climbing, abseiling and hang-gliding, but the essence of Scouting remains the same.

“But the idea that all youngsters want to do is to get behind a computer is quite untrue. The attraction of camping with other youngsters and stories around the fire is as potent as ever.”

In 2007, which was the Scout centenary year, Mr Daniels was awarded the Silver Wolf – the highest award for service to the movement.

“The uniforms and activities have changed over the years, but the spirit is still there” he added.

“Whether you’re in an old Army tent or the latest hightech job, the best bit of equipment a Scout has is his or her imagination.”