A SCOUT leader has admitted possessing and making nearly 200,000 pornographic images of children.

Stanton Hughes, 63 admitted making and possessing indecent photographs and movies of children.

He also admitted further charges of possessing extreme pornographic images involving animals.

The images of children ranged from the least serious to the most serious on the Copine Scale, which is used by the courts and police to measure the seriousness of pornographic images.

Hughes of Bellmaine Avenue, Corringham, has been removed from his post as group leader for the Second Stanford-le-Hope Scout Group.

Hughes admitted seven counts of making indecent photographs of children and three counts of possessing indecent images of children when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court.

The charges, which involve around 188,000 images, relate to an incident which happened in August 2009.

Two further charges of possessing 2,600 extreme pornographic images involving animals were ordered to lie on file.

Following the hearing, a spokesman for the Scout Association said: “The Scout Association is aware of the police investigations involving Mr Hughes.

“The association has been co-operating fully with the statutory agencies as their investigation progressed.

“Action to prevent Hughes’ ongoing involvement with the movement was taken as soon as the allegations were reported to the police.”

Hughes, who was awarded a special certificate and badge in 2006 in recognition of 40 year’s service with the scouts, was released on bail.

He will reappear at the court in February for sentence.