THE popularity of Scouting in Hampshire has increased for another year – with membership reaching an all-time high.

Figures for those joining the movement last year grew by three per cent in the county, which was more than twice the rate of the previous year. There are now more than 20,000 members in Hampshire – making it the largest county for membership in the UK.

Adam Jollins, county commissioner, said: “We passed the 20,000 milestone and recorded our highest figures this century – 20,426 – an increase of 604 members. We grew in all youth sections and we gained nearly as many girls as boys.”

Numbers were up in nearly all districts, including Basingstoke. The boom follows reports Scouting now prepares members for the job market by focusing on skill-based badges to boost CVs.

Ron Barker, district vice-chairman for Basingstoke West Scouts, said membership in the town has increased by two-and-a-half per cent last year, reaching 652 members.

The division, which covers Overton, Oakley, Hatch Warren, Sherborne St John, Rooksdown and parts of the town centre, also celebrated another milestone when it recently opened a new group in Rooksdown at the Community Centre.

Mr Barker, who has been involved in Scouting for 40 years, said it was the first new group to open for 18 years, since one was formed in Hatch Warren. The 71-year-old added: “The numbers increase every year and there’s been a big increase in girls joining as well.”

However, he said even more volunteers were needed to help reduce the high numbers on the waiting lists, including 15 for the new Rooksdown group.

Charlotte Cox, an Explorer Scout from Basingstoke, said: “Scouting has given me heaps of confidence and an ability to feel happy to speak to people of all ages across the world.”

Anyone interested in volunteering should email beavers@ basingstokewestscouts.org.uk, cubs@basingstokewest scouts .org.uk, or ian.scouts @ntlworld.com.