ONE of Selby area's top Scout leaders has been presented with a surprise long-service award by fellow members.

David Southall, 63, of Holmes Drive, Riccall, has been connected with the Scouts for half a century and for the last 40 years has been a warranted leader. A former scout leader at Riccall, he is now the Selby district commissioner.

He was presented with the framed long-service certificate at the Selby District Scouts' president's dinner at The Owl, Hambleton.

Mr Southall's wife, Judith, is group Scout leader at Riccall and his daughter, Suzanne Arthur, is leader of the village's Beavers' group, where his seven-year-old grand-daughter, Emma, is a member.

Updated: 12:31 Saturday, February 15, 2003