MORE than 200 people tackled a climbing wall at an event to raise the profile of Scouting.

Basingstoke East Scouts hired the mobile climbing wall which was put up in The Malls, and invited members of the public to have a go.

The event was aimed at publicising Scouts in the area, in an attempt to attract adults to volunteer their time with the movement.

It was organised after a new Scout group opened up at Oakridge Meth-odists Church, in Vivian Road, Oakridge.

The group needs more adults to help run the weekly Friday night meetings, and it is hoped that the climbing wall activity may have encouraged people to sign up.

Beryl Mullender, who is on the fundraising committee for Basing-stoke East District Scouts, said: “We had about 200 youngsters and adults climb the wall, which was interesting and challenging for some.

“Our main thrust was to raise awareness of Scouting and recruit young members and adults.

“We did have a number of people who said maybe they could help. We hope to follow this up within the next few days. We are always anxious to expand our development in the Basingstoke area and raise awareness of what Scouting does for young people.”

Mrs Mullender said the climbing wall event was the first in a line of activities planned to raise awareness of Scouting.

She added: “We certainly felt it made an impact and several people asked if we would come again. We certainly will look at doing it again.”

For more information on Basingstoke East Scouts, visit bescouts. org.uk/.