SERVING naval personnel were among the mourners who packed the Mission to Seamen, in Newport, for the funeral of George Earnshaw, BEM, who has died at the age of 83.

Mr Earnshaw was central to the development of Sea Scouting in Newport, having become scoutmaster of Newport's Sea Scouts in 1949.

Despite holding down district and county Scouting posts he remained centrally concerned with the Sea Scouts, from which he retired in 1985, having reached the maximum age.

'Bob' Earnshaw was born in Liverpool, and in 1937 joined the St John Ambulance Brigade. Three years later he joined the Royal Navy, serving throughout the war. Upon his mobilisation he joined the Sea Scouts, gaining the respect and affection of thousands of young men, many of whom were eventually to make careers at sea.

In addition to his Scouting service, Mr Earnshaw maintained connections with St John Ambulance Brigade and the Sail Training Association, and was a member of the Newport- Heidenheim twinning committee.

Mr Roger Swabey, a former Sea Scout leader, said: "Bob's aim was always to encourage youngsters to enjoy themselves and to be good and useful citizens. It is a mark of the respect in which the man was held that several serving members of the Royal Navy returned to say their farewells."

Mr Earnshaw's ashes are to be scattered on the River Dart in accordance with his wishes.