SCOUTING is thriving in Weymouth and Portland but it needs more adult help.

It already receives 33,000 hours of voluntary help locally a year, but the latest annual census of scouting in Weymouth and Portland shows that even more is needed.

Scouting in the area has more than 470 members, the highest district membership since 2001.

There are 100 adults involved locally in the movement who give it an average of 330 hours of their time each year.

But as the organisation thrives and expands so do its requirements for more adults to become leaders and helpers.

The most urgent need is for more cub scout leaders in the Wyke Regis area and beaver scout leaders for Upwey, although help is needed across the whole district.

More young people do adventurous activities as scouts than with any other organisation, and District Commissioner Gary Clothier said: "It is great to see the movement's numbers increasing.

"Scouting is very much alive in Weymouth and Portland and we have a lot to offer to local young people in developing their inter-personal and life skills so they can play a constructive role in the community.

"We are extremely grateful to our leadership team of 100 adults in the district for all the time and effort they put into the movement.

"We do, however, have a lot of young people on waiting lists that we are unable to let into the movement as we do not have enough leaders to cope with the growing numbers.

"We would therefore like to hear from anyone who may be interested, particularly those who have been scouts in the past, and who would now like to put something back into the movement."

Any young person interested in joining the movement or any adult who is prepared to help in any way can contact the movement in Weymouth and Portland through the 24-hour contact number 07092 035839.

Alternatively, scout leaders can be contacted by sending an e-mail to enquiry@weymouthandportlandscouts.org.uk