Actor and TV action man Peter Duncan is set to take on a new challenge as Chief Scout for the UK's largest co-educational youth charity.

Famous for his round-the-world expeditions, as well as his stint on Blue Peter and Duncan Dares in the 1980's, Peter is delighted to be breaking new ground with the Scout Movement in the United Kingdom.

Peter takes up the five-year appointment from the 5th of September. He follows in the steps of only eight others who have held the role of Chief Scout since Baden-Powell was declared the first Chief Scout in 1921.

Peter Duncan, a former Cub Scout said "Scouting is alive and well in twenty first century Britain. I can think of no better organisation to provide a creative and challenging frame work for the positive development of young men and women.

"Getting involved in Scouting as an adult is about having fun and adventure mixed in with a real sense of purpose. Being a Leader gives people the chance to contribute to the positive development of tomorrow's adults".

Having recently backpacked around China with his family, Peter is looking forward to the UK Scout Association hosting EuroJam in 2005 and the World Scout Jamboree in 2007. Each event will bring tens of thousands of Scouts from around the world to the UK to celebrate Scouting's centenary.

Sally Milner, a nine-year-old Cub Scout said, "I've met the new Chief Scout and he's cool. He really knows how to talk to children." She added: "It's great we have a real action man as our new Chief Scout!"