Young people staged a gas-lit walk to the graveside of a fellow Scout who lost his life on fire watch duty during World war Two.

Saltash Scouts visited St Mary’s at Botus Fleming to pay their respects to Donald Cummins, who lost his life aged just 18.

Donald died on April 28, 1941, fighting a blaze in the GWR goods depot in Saltash.

Part of a volunteer crew from the Second Saltash Scout Troop, he was posthumously awarded the Scout VC.

His modern-day counterparts mustered at the Waitrose site at Carkeel , which was an American heavy gun site during the war.

They made their way with gas lights to Botus Fleming and held their tribute around Donald’s grave, where the Commonwealth War Graves Commission will soon be adding a commemorative plaque.

Keith Child, one of the Saltash Scout leaders, said: ‘ Twenty Scouts from 2nd Saltash ’Tamar’ Troop commenced our walk from Saltash.

‘Under the light of torches and gas lamps, the Scouts were told the inspiring story of Saltash Scouts during World War Two and how they fulfilled their Scout promise “to help others”.

‘The troop formed up around the memorial, where we held a minute’s silent reflection, before Alex, one of our young Troop Leaders and the closest in age to Donald when he  was killed, laid a Poppy Cross and the troop gave a salute.’