AN Ainsworth woman who has devoted 50 years of her life to Cubs and Beavers has been honoured for her commitment and leadership.

Mrs Valerie Watts has been presented with a certificate on behalf of the chief scout to mark her remarkable five decades of service. For the past 30 years she has been the Beaver leader at Ainsworth Parish Church and before then was a cub leader.

The 68-year-old received her award at a church service on Sunday. Two years ago Mrs Watts, of Kingsbridge Avenue, came face to face with the Duchess of Cambridge at Windsor Castle after receiving a Silver Acorn award.

She began her service with the church cubs at the age of 16 and two years later became a cubs leader. The Rev Kenneth Bullock asked members of his church to start up a Scouts group in Ainsworth in 1963. The Scout section was formed by Alan Bamber while Mrs Watts and her cousin, Gwen White, came forward to establish the cubs group.

Years later, Mrs Watts went on to help set up a Beaver colony and has been its leader for the past three decades. She recalled: "The Scout Association wanted to bring in a younger group and a few pilot Beaver groups were set up around the country and we were one of these groups. We now have 22 Beavers."

She has been associated with Ainsworth Parish Church virtually all her life. She was born in Bristol but was actually christened at the church and was also a Sunday school queen and a Girl Guide in Ainsworth. Since she established the Beaver group three decades ago, virtually every Friday night has been devoted to the youngsters.

"Recently, we've been making Mother's Day presents and the Beavers have been learning to say their promise in sign language. I just so enjoy being with the children."

Mrs Watts, who has a son and daughter and three grandchildren, is well served by two colleagues within the Beaver colony. However, at this stage, retirement isn't imminent. She continued: "There isn't an age limit for leaders. But I suppose that if eventually I feel I can't do this any more, I know I have two other leaders here."