ONE of Basingstoke’s largest scout groups is seeking more volunteers to help with its summer programme.

The 1st Chineham Scouts was established more than 38 years ago and has more than 160 young members across two Beaver colonies, two Cub Scout packs and a Scout troop.

With a host of different activities and events planned in the upcoming months, scout leaders are making an urgent appeal for adult volunteers to lend a helping hand.

Recently the types of activities that volunteers have helped out included annual camps, Beavers sleeping to Tepees, climbing, archery, shooting, a rib ride on the Bristol Channel, Rugby at the Millennium Stadium, Days out at RAF Hendon and Lyneham, a trip to walk across the roof of the O2 in London - which included new Scouts being invested into the group at the top - and hiking across the New Forest and the groups survival weekend which involves gutting fish and skinning rabbits.

As well as these flagship events, people are needed to help out in all the usual Scouting activities.

Scout leader Helen Wood said: “Running a group this size and giving the young people an enriching and rewarding experience requires a lot of adult input. We realise that not everyone can give up a lot of time but every little really does help - and if lots of people can volunteer to do whatever they can, that will make a huge difference.

“Scouting is very rewarding, for the young people taking part and for the adults who support them. We’d love to hear from anyone who would like to support 1st Chineham Scouts, even if it’s just for an informal chat to find out more.”

People who wish to volunteer do not require a Scouting uniform, nor do they need to make a commitment to help every week, and will receive full support and training.

Anyone that is interested in volunteering should contact Volunteer@1stChineham.org.uk.