SCOUTS groups in Weymouth and Portland are in desperate need of volunteers to help set up and run groups.

At the moment there are 70 boys and girls who cannot be placed in Scout groups in the area because of the lack of volunteers.

To recruit new members the Weymouth and Portland District Comm-issioner Debbie Shaw held a recruitment fair in Weymouth town centre on Saturday.

Mrs Shaw said: “We have the buildings and the community support but we need more volunteers.

“We have enough children in Chickerell so it would be really good to be able to start a new group there.

“We support flexible hours so that people can really do as little or as much as they can.

“Also we’re also looking out for specialisms that can really bring something to the groups.”

As well as being part of the community and helping kids to achieve their potential, being a Scout leader can give you official recognition in industry.

Mrs Shaw added: “It’s for people who want to help children have fun and adventure and really make a difference.”

This month Chief Scout Bear Grylls met over 3,000 Scouts from Dorset at Dragon 24 event in Bere Regis.

While there, Bear and the young people attending took part in a range of activities including water zorbing, dragon boating, funfair rides, circus skills, laser tag, climbing, abseiling and a whole lot more.

During the recruitment day, which included an outdoor climbing wall, the team managed to secure more than 30 application forms.

An open meeting will take place on Monday, June 6.

Contact dc@weymouthandportlandscouts.org.uk or visit www.dorsetscouts.org.uk