A WOMAN who spent more than 60 years serving in the Scouts has died, aged 92.

Joan Epton, of Radcliffe-on-Trent, joined the movement in about 1947 as a Cub leader at Holme Pierrepont.

She went to Radcliffe- on-Trent to become Cub Scout leader and remained in the movement as joint president of Rushcliffe Scouts until her death.

Joan, who never married, had a reputation of being a friendly woman who was always available to offer help.

Peggy Gilks, 96, also of Radcliffe, her friend of more than half a century, said: "It is difficult to condense 50 years into a few words. Joan has been a very dear friend. You could go to her for help and advice but she left us to work things out for ourselves.

"One of her jobs was feeding everyone. She was a very good cook and did the cooking for training courses.

"Those that knew her will miss her dearly.

"She was great. I was absolutely shattered on Sunday when one of her nieces phoned me."

Born in 1918 in Ludford, Lincolnshire, Joan was the second of six children of Frank and Hilda Epton. Her mother died and her father later remarried and a further four children were added to the family.

Mr Epton took a job in Nottingham in about 1922 and the family moved to Stockhill Circus, in Basford.

Joan served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force as a cook during the Second World War.

After the war, she joined grocers JD Marsdens and Farrands, where she worked until her retirement.

Her great-nephew Joanne Humphrey said: "She was a wonderful, lovely person.

"I think she enjoyed being part of something that the boys loved.

"She wanted to be involved in making sure they had fun. She was the biggest-hearted, kindest person and a lot of people will miss her.

"She has left a massive hole in all hearts."