SCORES of people came together in Poole for the annual event to recognise the formation of the Scout movement.

Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers joined Mayor Sean Gabriel at Poole Quay as he placed a laurel wreath around the shoulders of Lord Robert Baden-Powell’s statue yesterday morning to mark Scout Founder's Day.

The bronze life-size statue, which looks out towards the notable site of Brownsea Island, was erected in 2008.

Since then the annual ceremony has been organised at the site for local Scout troops, while youngsters all over the world continue to celebrate Founder's Day.

Cllr Gabriel, who has provided support to Poole Scout troops in recent years, said the day had been marked with the best weather he could remember.

"It is a hugely important event for Poole," said Cllr Gabriel.

"The first Scout camp took place on Brownsea Island in 1907, so for us to be here 112 years later recognising and celebrating that is huge.

"It is amazing for something that started in Poole to have so many people now involved in Scouting.

"When people come to Poole from all around the country, the statue is one of the things they remember the most.

"The expression on the statue is just right.

"I looked at it and I got the sense of him telling me, 'don't let me down'."

Founder’s Day is celebrated each February by many of the 32 million Scouts around the world.

However, Poole has an important role in the history of the youth movement, as it was at a camp on Brownsea Island in 1907 that Lord Baden-Powell first tested out “scouting for boys”.

Scouting spread like wildfire across Britain and then the world, as boys and girls experienced the challenges and rewards of camping skills and other activities.

Andrew Williams, chair of Poole Scout District Executive, gave a short speech at yesterday's event.

He detailed what led Lord Baden-Powell to launch the Scout movement and highlighted the important role it plays in modern society.

The Lord Baden-Powell statue required £25,000 of fundraising by Brian Woolgar, of Poole District Scout Council, and a £10,000 grant secured from developers by Poole council.