A DESPERATE shortage of leaders has left the Faversham Scout movement in crisis. The shortage has prompted Terry Scott, the chairman of Faversham District Scout Council to issue a stark warning to the community.

Mr Scott said more adult help was vital if Scouting was to continue in the Faversham district. He stressed: "We need enough leaders to meet the needs of the five Scout groups in and around the town.

"We have no shortage of recruits. At the moment more than 300 young people are involved - but we only have 30 adult leaders. This is not enough to enable more young people to join."

The problem is worst in the youngest section, the Beavers, where there are waiting lists at existing Beaver colonies and in some groups new colonies cannot open because of a lack of leaders.

Mr Scott said: "The numbers of new adult leaders coming into the movement can probably be counted on the fingers of two hands. If only a few more would come along and give it a try they would find it both fulfilling and also great fun."

As well as the acute shortage of leaders, the council also urgently needs a district secretary, a post it has been trying to fill for more than a year. Mr Scott said: "The job is not over-demanding, but it is an important and vital job if the Faversham district is to continue. The situation has become serious."

The Scout Association gives full training to all new recruits. Even the district secretary's job does not require any previous knowledge of Scouting, although normal secretarial skills would be needed.

To find out more about becoming a leader telephone district commissioner Roger Donovan on 01795 537604. If you are interested in taking on the post of district secretary, phone Mr Scott on 01795 533041.