THE 3rd Devizes Cubs have bid an emotional farewell to Julie Midcalf who has been their leader, or Akela, for the last 13 years.

Mrs Midcalf became involved with the group while her three sons were going through the Scouting movement. She began as a parent assistant but soon took over running it.

But pressure of work has forced her to step down.

She said: "I will miss it dreadfully but I will still be involved in Scouting as I am staying on the committee."

Her replacement Akela is Elizabeth Durrant, better known is the town as Dr Elizabeth Madigan of the Lansdowne Surgery.

Her husband, Steve, is also involved in the Cub movement.

Mrs Midcalf found her farewell presentation party, which was combined with a Mexican evening, an emotional experience.

She said: "I was quite choked."