ONE of the great names from West Cumbrian scouting has died at the age of 84.

 Bert Horsley became a scout leader in June 1957 and in November 2017 received his chief scouts' 60-year award before taking a back seat.

Bert was a teacher all of his career, teaching woodwork at Guard Street and metalwork at Moorclose.

He was also headmaster at Monkwray School in Whitehaven and Victoria Junior School in Workington

He was headteacher of Victoria School for 20 years until he retired in 1999.

As a teacher and head teacher in Workington and Whitehaven, together with his wife Anne he will have influenced the lives of hundreds of people in Cumbria.

Anne was for many years the Group’s Guide Leader.

Bert organised camps abroad every two years with Scouts and Guides with hundreds of legendary camps and campfires ending with 'Ghost Stories' and the 'Branthwaite Boggle'.

Assistant Group Scout Leader Steve Binyon said: “Bert has been an amazing leader at 4th Workington in North Fells District Scouts since 29 June 1957 and was a supporter of Dragnet Cumbria for many years.

“He leaves behind an amazing legacy of positive influence on so many lives and will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.

“It was with such great sadness that we heard of his passing.

“He was a Cub leader, Scout leader, and GSL (40 years) at 4th Workington St Michaels and played a huge role in the development and upkeep of Branthwaite Scout Campsite and the old Workington District.

“Many leaders will remember being welcomed into Scouting by Bert in his role as District Appointments chair or met this larger-than-life man at the annual Christmas Panto trip he ran.

“I’m so sad he will not be here to witness the new developments at Branthwaite and enjoy another campfire there. He will be a huge loss to so many people after over 65 years as a volunteer.

“His enthusiasm for all things Scouting was infectious and he spread his knowledge and kindness wide. I hope he is with Mervyn getting the campsite up there looking smart.

“Rest easy Bert, we’ll miss you more than you could imagine.”

He leaves behind wife, Anne, children Allan and Kathryn; grandchildren Emma, Luke, Matthew, and Grace and great-granddaughter Hallie.