A SCOUT leader who tendered his resignation after shooting a kitten says he is overwhelmed by support from his troop.

David Knapp decided to quit after admitting causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, at Abertillery magistrates court last month.

Parents of youngsters who attend the 1st Brynmawr Scouts want Mr Knapp, 44, to stay.

At a recent meeting they pledged "100 per cent support" for the scout leader, who has been involved with the group for five years.

Mr Knapp, of Heol Isaf, will have his offer to resign considered by the Blaenau Gwent appointments sub committee later this month.

Yesterday he told the Argus he was "very sorry" for his actions, which caused the death of a neighbour's five-month-old kitten, Liquorice.

The kitten was put down due to injuries it received. Mr Knapp was ordered to pay £470 in compensation to the owner and fined £200 for the offence.

Mr Knapp, who had no previous convictions, said: "I know what happened was bad and regret it very much.

"I didn't go to the meeting about me because I wanted people to be able to say what they wanted - but when I heard I had 100 per cent support I was over the moon."

Wales Field Commissioner David Goldsmith said submissions from parents would be considered before a decision was reached.

Having a criminal record is not a bar to being a scout leader, unless a conviction relates to an offence against a child.