A FUNERAL service next week for Somerset Scouts leader Stephen Sharp is expected to be attended by hundreds of uniformed mourners.

Mr Sharp, aged 57, collapsed and died at work despite the efforts of First Aiders and paramedics on January 20.

His sudden death left the county’s scouting world in shock after he had been actively involved for nearly 50 years.

Mr Sharp joined the movement on Exmoor as a cub scout aged eight years old.

More recently, he was county activities programme lead and a trustee of Somerset County Scout Council.

His funeral service will be held at 1 pm on Wednesday, March 4, in Watchet Methodist Church and will be followed by a private burial service.

Mr Sharp’s family have requested only family flowers and for donations in his memory to go to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

They would also like any mourners attending the service to wear their uniforms, or their neckerchiefs.

A spokesperson for Somerset Scouts said: “Everybody is welcome.

“He will be deeply missed by all his loving family, friends, and everybody who knew him.

“He was a much liked and a respected member of the sailing community and was proudly involved with Coastal Diamonds, Sutton Bingham Sailing Club, and Wimbleball Sailing Club, where he shared many happy times and friendships on the water.”

Many heartfelt tributes to Mr Sharp have been paid by friends and colleagues via social media since his death.

At the time, a scouts spokesperson said: “Words cannot begin to describe how his family are feeling at this time, but we wanted everybody who knew Stephen to be aware of this devastating loss.

“Stephen was a kind and gentle man who would help anybody.

“His main passion was sailing, though he could turn his hand to just about anything.”