A NEW and enthusiastic scouting group in the Tamar Valley is looking for leaders to help run sessions for 10 to 14-year-olds.

There is a large waiting list of young people who want to join the scout group in Gunnislake but leaders are needed to get things started.

Group scout leader for Tamar Valley Scouts Ailsa Weaver said two people were needed to start with, but the more the merrier.

'You do not have to have any experience at all but you absolutely have to have an interest in young people and outdoor type pursuits,' she said.

'Anyone from 18 onwards can be a leader. They have to go through the CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checks but we provide all the training.'

Mrs Weaver said there used to be a scout troop in Gunnislake but it folded because leaders moved away or had other commitments.

'We have managed to get a beaver group up and running again for the six to eight-year-olds and 18 beavers were invested last week,' she said.

'We also have a cubs group and now we just need to get the scouts going.

'It is such a wonderful thing to get involved in. Thirty years ago my son wanted to join cubs, I made some enquiries and have been involved ever since.

'It is great that so many young people want to join in the Tamar Valley.

'Our group in Stoke Climsland is choc-a-bloc and there is so much enthusiasm to get another group going we just need volunteers.'

The group scout leader said scouting gave young people something different to do, an interest, and made them into all-round resourceful and problem-solving individuals.

'Someone who has gone through scouts has learnt leadership skills and how to solve problems.

'It is passed down from the older ones to the younger ones and the whole ethos is about sharing knowledge.

'We go hiking, camping in all weathers, learn how to cook with basic equipment, go surfing and canoeing.

'It is great fun both for the scouts and the leaders.'

Volunteers have to commit at least two hours a week of their time.

Anyone interested should call Ailsa Weaver on 01579 382196.