'Diamond' scouting couple celebrate 60 years

Scout leaders Mike and Jean Lovejoy got a surprise last week.

They thought they were attending an ordinary scout meeting at the Bears Rails camp site in Old Windsor on Wednesday - until Windsor and Eton district commissioner  David Smith presented them with certificates to celebrate their 60 years as leaders.

Mike, 83 and Jean, 78, of Ashbrook Road, Old Windsor became involved with the village's 7th Windsor scout group as soon as they moved there in 1957.

Jean had already been a cub leader and Mike an assistant scout leader in Hayes, where they first met.

Mike said: "My aunt was a scout leader and told me 'go and help that poor girl over there with the cubs - she is on her own'."

"The couple have three grandchildren - two of whom are already members of the Old Windsor scout and cub groups.

Mike and Jean will be helping out at next month's international scouting WINGS jamboree at Windsor Great Park.