A Scout group has paid tribute to their leader who will be "truly missed” following his death.

Peter Byrne was part of the Snodland club for more than 40 years and died after having a heart attack.

Steve Cameron had been friends with “Pete” for more than 20 years and says his passing came as a shock.

“He was a gentle giant,” he said. “He came across a bit gruff, but he had a heart of gold.

“He would do anything for anyone if he could.

“I think because of his army background, sometimes people were a little bit unsure of him. But once you got to know him he was a really kind soul.”

A tribute was posted by the Scout group on Facebook which was flooded with dozens of heartwarming comments.

It described how Peter had influenced so many lives and ensured young people had the opportunity to be a part of activities and adventures.

His legacy will “live on” within the group for years to come.

Steve added: “I think they will just miss him being there. Everyone knew who he was.

“He wasn’t one of those people who just stood at the top of the tree, he’d come to meetings and get involved in all the activities they were doing.

“He will be truly missed.”

The 66-year-old was born and raised in Snodland and had been part of the Scouting community since he was a child.

At the time, his father, Chris Byrne, was a group leader for the area.

During his twenties Peter joined the army and worked in catering. In May 1991, he became leader of the Kipling Cub Pack in Snodland.

He also had roles as district commissioner in Strood and for some time was part of the staff at headquarters in Gilwell Park, East London.

Peter then took over as group Scout leader, now known as group lead volunteer, from his father in May 1995.

“We met back in 1999 when I joined the executive committee of the group,” Steve explained.

“Within a few months, they asked me to take on the role of chair.

“As he had children of his own, and having gone through the Scouting network himself as a child, Pete felt like he could give back by getting involved.

“We have remained friends ever since. I saw him a few days before he passed away, so we have always been quite close.”

Over the years, Peter’s role expanded to cover all aspects of the club.

He made sure to look after each leader by keeping them on track, as well as helping and advising where needed.

Peter joined the executive committee, who were the trustees of the group and managed fundraising and finances.

He also helped organise trips abroad to Intercamp, which was held in a different European country every year.

It allowed members to meet international Scouts in France, Belgium, Holland, Czech Republic and Germany.

Recently he had been training the younger generation in college who were looking to go into the food industry.

Peter had been suffering from an illness for a period of time and was in hospital leading up to his death.

He died on Friday, December 22, and leaves behind his wife Jane, their five children and six grandchildren.