
Tributes have been paid following the death of an inspirational leader who was awarded an MBE for her services to the Scout movement in Lancaster.
Velma Keating MBE died on Monday after a long battle with illness, Lonsdale District Scouts has announced.
Velma was awarded her MBE in the New Year's Honours List of 1998 for services to the Cub Scout movement in Lancaster.
Lonsdale District Scouts said, in a post on their Facebook page: "It is with the greatest sadness that I have to announce that Velma Keating MBE passed away on Monday following a long battle with illness.
"She will be known to most members of Lonsdale as the Beaver, Cub, Scout Leader and GSL at 5th Lancaster Scout Group.
"Velma and her husband Jim started the group.
"A true Scouter for over 50 years, Velma has taken on every role at 5th Lancaster, sometimes all at the same time.
"I know that you will all keep Velma's family and friends in your thoughts. Date of the funeral will be shared when I have details. RIP Velma."
Tributes at the Lonsdale Scouts page said that Velma was a "great person, always willing to help", "an inspiration to us all who lived and breathed scouting" and "a wonderful lady that touched so many people’s lives".