VOLUNTEERS are desperately needed to keep open a popular Huddersfield Scout camp.

Whitley Beaumont, at Lepton, could close unless more people come forward to help run the site.

The peaceful countryside camp was first taken over by the Scout Association in the 1930s and members of Scouting and Guiding groups from all over the UK have been enjoying it ever since.

In 1962, a group of Huddersfield Rover Scouts - the equivalent of today's Venture Scouts - took on the role of maintaining the site. They also acted as camp wardens - meaning they were responsible for the site and everyone who was camping on it.

However, over the years, those Rover Scouts have disappeared.

Now, the last of those Rover Scouts - Rodney Hirst - is 73 and is hoping to take on less responsibility for the site.

Members of the site's management committee have stepped in to help maintain it and act as camp wardens at weekend events.

But one of the members, David Langfield, said they cannot carry on forever.

He said: "We've appealed to people within Scouting but everybody is so busy.

"We would like as many people as possible to offer their time - even just one weekend a year.

"The more people we get, the less time everyone will have to put in.

"Anybody can help, the only condition is that they have to be checked out for working with children."

Mr Langfield, who was a Scout leader for 20 years, said there will be many people in Huddersfield with fond memories of Whitley Beaumont Scout Camp.

He said: "It's a lovely place. My earliest memory of it was when I was six and my sister took me there.

"My first Scout camp was held there. It is a very special place and there will be lots of people with fond memories and who don't want to see it close through lack of support. I hope some of them will volunteer."

There will be an open day at the site, on Pinfold Lane, on Sunday, from 3pm to 5pm.

Anyone thinking about volunteering can go along and find out more.

Alternatively, contact Mr Langfield on 01484 302417.

* If you have memories of Whitley Beaumont, contact the Examiner on 01484 430000 or e-mail to editorial@examiner.co.uk