Former Scout leader and Oxford Gang Show supremo John Kirby has died, aged 73.

Mr Kirby, of Yeats Close, Cowley, Oxford, died on March 27 at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford. He is thought to have suffered a stroke.

More than 200 people attended his funeral at Oxford Crematorium, with Scouts and Guides forming a guard of honour outside.

He was a leading light in Oxford’s Gang Show for over 50 years, writing many comic sketches.

Mr Kirby first performed in it in 1952 and said in 1998 that he would play a part in it until he was called to the “big campfire in the sky”.

He went on to serve as actor, writer and producer.

Scout District Commisioner Val Butcher said: “John was a lovely chap who always wanted to help other people.

“John was extremely well known in the Scouting world and will be sadly missed by Scouts across the country. People turned up for John’s funeral from across the UK.”

In 1994, then leader of the 15th Oxford Scouts at Botley, he opened the Len Launchbury Scout Museum at Youlbury Scout Camp, Boars Hill.

For years, he had gathered items for the collection and stored them in a spare room.

He said at the time: “It started with just a few things and snowballed.

“The collection goes back to 1908 and right up to the present day. We’ve even got letters from Baden Powell.”

Mr Kirby also compiled a film record of Scouting over the years and a film of the 1957 Jamboree was his favourite because he met his wife Ursula there.

Kim Griffiths, director of the Oxford Gang Show, said: “John was a real character and will always be remembered as our Dame.

“He wrote lots of comic sketches and will be sadly missed by all those who took part in the show.

“He had been in hospital before this year’s show last month at the New Theatre, but when he came out he still came along to support us.”

Mr Kirby leaves Ursula and two daughters, Marian and Judith.