A BARRY sea scout leader has celebrated 40 years of service and inspiring more than 1000 children with the 11th Barry Sea Scout group.

Peter Evans reached the landmark anniversary, commemorated on December 3, following his rise through the Movement since joining as a Cub scout in 1962, before becoming a Venture scout. 

He became the Group Assistant Cub Scout Leader on his 18th birthday and four years later he took over the section by becoming Cub scout Leader, taking the name of Akela - a character from Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book. During this period Peter has had nearly 1000 children under his care. 

Peter, who is married, and lives in Cardiff, still commutes to Barry to work with the youngsters.

In the St George's Day awards, earlier this year, he was presented with the Silver Acorn - an honour recognising more than 30 years of dedicated service to scouting.

The group is indebted to Peter for his loyalty.