AFTER more than 85 years’ service, Oxford’s oldest Scout is finally stepping down – at the age of 95.

Reg Hayes, of Normandy Crescent, Cowley, first became a member of what was then the 2nd Oxford Wolf Cub pack in the mid-1920s, then moved up to the SS Mary and John 2nd Oxford Scouts in 1930, during the reign of King George V.

Since then he has organised countless events for Scouts and Cubs, amassed armfuls of awards and accidentally befriended a spy.

It is believed Mr Hayes is one of the UK’s oldest Scouts.

The former Cowley car worker remembers meeting the movement’s founder, Lord Robert Baden Powell, when he came to Oxford Town Hall in 1923.

Mr Hayes said: “I don’t suppose there will be anyone else around who can remember that. I remember thinking he looked very old, even though he was younger than I am now.”

Mr Hayes, who also worked at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, in Headington, served in the Royal Army Medical Corps during the Second World War.

While he was in France in 1940 he struck up a friendship with a French-Canadian man, who shared his love of Scouting. It was only after Mr Hayes returned to England that he learned the man was a German spy and had been executed.

He said: “I was first introduced to the Wolf Cubs, as they were known then, by my gran. As an only child it gave me a chance to mix with other young boys and girls, which I very much enjoyed.

“After the war I was diagnosed with what they used to call shell-shock and spent some time in hospital. But the Scouts were still there when I came out and I think that helped me. They have been my whole life really.”

Last night the organisation’s governing body, the Scout Association, said it was unable to confirm whether Mr Hayes was the oldest Scout in the country.

In 2008 Britain’s then oldest man, Henry Allingham, was invested as a Scout when he was 112 years old. Mr Allingham died in July last year.

Mr Hayes said he put his long service down to being single and having the time to dedicate to the group.

He said: “A lot of people can’t believe I’m 95, so it’s obviously keeping me young. I’m in very good health, apart from my back, but there are some times when I don’t feel quite up to it, so I think it’s time to take a well-earned break.

“It’s been an exciting time. I will miss the friendships most, and meeting people.

“I’m an honorary Scouter of the group, which I shall always be, so if I wish to look in, I shall do so.”

  • A farewell service in honour of Mr Hayes will be held at SS Mary & John Church, in Cowley Road, at 10.30am on Sunday.