A POPULAR Scout group has put out a call for new leaders to help slash waiting lists.

Places at Clayton West Scout Group are so in demand that it has lengthy waiting lists for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

The limited places have meant that many six-year-olds are restricted to less than six months in the Beavers before they have to move up to Cubs.

Scout group leader Ewan Scott said the shortage of places was causing parents to register an interest when their children were barely out of nappies and was having a knock-on effect all the way up to Scouts.

He said: “Only 18 months ago we faced having to close Beavers due to the lack of adult support, but we have a fantastic, enthusiastic young team who stepped in and now we simply can’t keep up with the demand for places.

“We have to offer every applicant the option of applying for places at Skelmanthorpe, Shelley or Kirkburton, but often these other groups have waiting lists, and many parents prefer to wait to gain access at Clayton West.

“The only solution that we can see to this problem is to open new Beaver, Cub and Scout sections. To do this we need two new adults per section, a leader and a regular helper, preferably two leaders per section.

“Scouts in West Yorkshire pay for all the required leader training and Clayton West Scout Group is very supportive of its team members who wish to undertake adventurous activity leader training for activities such as walking, climbing, kayaking, archery etc...”

CONTACT: Interested applicants from the Clayton West and Denby Dale area can email Ewan Scott at ewanscott@btinternet.com or via the website www.claytonwestscouts.org.uk