HE wears the uniform with pride and has done so for nearly 75 years, for Fareham's Alf Breeze is one of Britain's oldest Scouts.

The sprightly 92-year-old was as usual on parade for the town's St George's Day Parade and he is playing a leading role as Fareham celebrates the 100th anniversary of Scouting.

Westbury Manor Museum has staged a display of Scouting memorabilia put together by local collector Bernice Harby, it showcases items from the early days of Scouting right up to the present day.

There is an early edition of the movement's founder, Lord Baden Powell's famous book, Scouting for Boys, and a lead toy soldier-style figure of a boy scout wearing long shorts and the classic old-fashioned hat.

Alf, who joined as a Rover Scout in August 1933, has fond memories of those pioneering days of Scouting. He remembers having to do his Tenderfoot badge, which included tracking and first aid. He recalled that the Rovers met in a room over the garage of a big house, owned by Dr Kirsopp in Fareham High Street, which was originally a hotel.

Alf was leader of the 1st Fareham for 20 years and rose through the ranks to be assistant county commissioner for Rover Scouts, which later became known as Venture Scouts.

He was also assistant county commissioner for the Scout Fellowship, which is for those who have had past links with Scouting.

Alf, who is currently president of the Fareham East Division, was awarded the Silver Wolf for his distinguished services to Scouting.

He believes that the aims of the movement are as relevant today as they were when it was founded by Lord Baden Powell.

Today Alf says he is always on tap as an adviser and says: "I regard it as an investment of one's time in the character building of young people."