A devoted scout leader has been honoured with a purple plaque in recognition of his work in the community.

David Fox, 74, was surprised with the plaque at his home with his family in Holcombe Brook by Greatest Hits Radio presenter Andy Crane, to thank him for his 45 years of voluntary work with the scouts.

The award, presented in partnership with Greatest Hits and home care company Home Instead, aims to celebrate the achievements of remarkable older people.

It mimics the blue plaques found on public buildings commemorating the lives of historic figures such as Charles Dickens and Emmeline Pankhurst.

Bury Times: David with his daughter Leesa and Andy Crane Photo: Jane FoxDavid with his daughter Leesa and Andy Crane Photo: Jane Fox (Image: Jane Fox)

David, a retired mechanical engineering lecturer, was presented with the award in July after being nominated by his daughter, Leesa Beckwith, the assistant district commissioner for Bury and Ramsbottom Scouts.

The scouts have been a part of David’s life from the age of 18 months and both his mother and father were also volunteers.

Now a scout leader with the 5th Holcombe group, David says receiving the plaque was a complete surprise and is modest about his contribution to the community.

Bury Times: David's wife Jane, Andy Crane, daughter Leesa and grandson Callum. Photo: Jane FoxDavid's wife Jane, Andy Crane, daughter Leesa and grandson Callum. Photo: Jane Fox (Image: Jane Fox)

He said: “[Scouting] is what I do, it wasn’t as though I needed a reward for it.”

David credits his work as a scout leader for keeping him active and in-touch with younger generations.

He said: “The young people help you to keep young as the attitudes that they’ve got have changed and you change with them.

“It keeps me active as well I think, we still go camping and it’s a laugh, its enjoyable.”

Bury Times: David's Purple Plaque. Photo: Jane FoxDavid's Purple Plaque. Photo: Jane Fox (Image: Jane Fox)

Looking back on his time with the scouts, David’s favourite memory is taking the group to Buckingham Palace to see the Horse Guard Parade in 2014.

He said: “We were lucky enough to be given a place to see the Horse Guard’s Parade and watch the changing of the guard.

“When that was over, everybody walked up The Mall to the Queen’s Balcony to wave goodbye, I remember walking up The Mall with the group of kids that we took.

“That’s probably one of the highlights my scouting career.”