There is a national shortage of adults wanting to get involved as Scout leaders, and it is having an effect close to home.

A lack of helpers has affected 1st Teynham Scouts, who meet at their hut in Conyer Road, and its Beaver colony with 23 six-to eight-year-olds.

More than 51,000 youngsters across the country are waiting to join the Scouting movement but cannot due to the lack of adult help.

Beaver leader Pauline Duncan, affectionately known to the children as “granny Beaver” has tried to leave but has been told the group would have to shut if no other help comes forward.

Teynham has 11 adult leaders and a number of other helpers across the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

Scout leader Amanda Seymour said: “We’ve been looking for three years for a new Beaver leader. Our current leader wants to leave, but if she did, it would close and we really don’t want anyone to miss out.

“There are 23 Beavers and her on a Monday night and we’ve got nearly 90 children in all of the sections. Teynham has been going for over 100 years and if we could find just one person to take it on, that would be brilliant.”

Scouting in general is always looking for adult help. Sittingbourne and Milton district commissioner Tracy Swift said: “We could always do with more leaders. We really need people who are willing to get into uniform and help out with the activities.”

Of those involved in Scouting, 45% are parents, 45% are returners looking to give back to the organisation, and only 10% are from outside the movement. She said: “There are lots of benefits to joining. You get to have fun, it’s sociable, you’ll make new friends and enjoy taking part in new things.”

To join, get in touch via dc@sittingbournescouts.org.uk