THE Scout movement in Winchester is growing at five times the national average.

New figures from the Scout Association census show a 10 per cent growth in the district, compared to 1.9 per cent nationally.

Such is the demand to join the Winchester group, that there are now 200 youngsters on a waiting list.

Winchester Scouts’ district commissioner, Stephen Parker, said that more volunteers are needed to meet the demand.

"Every young person, from aged six upwards, should be able to join Scouts if they and their parents want that. To achieve this we need some help - from more parents, from councillors, council officers and the heads of the city's primary schools. With some coordination, we can offer many more young people the fun and adventure of Scouting."

The majority of those on the waiting list are six to eight-year-old Beaver Scouts, both girls and boys.

To tackle this, the Scouts hope to open seven new Beaver Colonies across Winchester over the next year, accommodating about 170 children.