TWO new Scouting sections have opened in Branksome, Poole with more than 30 new recruits making their promise.

Beavers for six to eight year-olds and Cubs, eight to 10, were started following demand from young people and parents.

They meet at Burden Hall in Alder Road and are called Branksome St Aldhelm’s – St Francis, an extension of the group that meets at St Aldhelm’s Church.

Twenty-one new Beavers and 12 Cubs made their Scout promise and were officially invested in the new group.

They meet weekly and take part in a wide range of activities including games, crafts and challenges.

Assistant District Commissioner for Cubs, Roger Thresh said: “The atmosphere during our meetings is electric and we keep getting more and more people who live in and around Branksome asking to join.

“The group not only allows young people to form new friendships but the parents and leaders also get to build new links within the community.”

The waiting list is currently 300 strong and a new Scout section, for 10 to 14 year-olds, is due to open in June in Poole.

Ragen Bartaby, District Commissioner of Poole Scouts said: “In the long run we’re hoping to open new sections in different areas of Poole to allow even more young people to get involved, but this will rely on us getting adult volunteers needed to become leaders and keep the sections running.”

For more information email info@poolescouts.org.uk or go to poolescouts.org.uk