A MAN who served Thurrock scouting for more than 40 years was honoured in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours List announced today – but sadly the public recognition came two weeks after his death!

A tribute to Brian Edwards, who was awarded the British Empire Medal in the list, has been paid by District Commissioner Graham Monk, who next week will be among many in the local scouting community who pay tribute to their friend and mentor at a memorial service.

Mr Monk said: "Brian was a scouting man through and through. If you cut him open, you would find the Chadwell St Mary Group colours. He gave more than 40 years of service to the youth of Thurrock in various roles and responsibilities.

"He started as an Assistant Scout Leader in Chadwell St Mary Scout Group in 1976 and moved on to become progressively Scout Leader and then Group Scout Leader before reverting back to being an Assistant Scout Leader and he still held this role at the end.

"Allied to his Scouting role, Brian was heavily involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme both in the wider Borough but also as the Thurrock Scout D of E Adviser from 1980 to 2010.

"He was a very practical man and could work wonders with wood. His skills were exploited with the Scout and Guide Gang Show as a member of the Stage Crew where he helped to build scenery and props from 1976 until 1992.

"He was also very interested in the outdoors and he became an Assistant Camp Warden at the District's Cherrywood Campsite in 1991 and he took on the Warden role from 2015 to 2019 when, with failing health, he was made Honorary Camp Warden.

"For his services to Scouting, Brian received his 40-year service award in 2016 and was the recipient of the Scout Association's Silver Acorn for specially distinguished services to Scouting in 2014.

"He will be widely missed but never forgotten."