THE 12th Bolton (Rosehill) Scout Group in Great Lever has opened a new beaver scout colony — thanks to a £4,700 windfall.

It is the first time in the group’s 25-year history that it has had beavers, cubs and scouts sections.

The beaver group, which is for boys and girls aged six to eight, was founded after a £4,500 grant from Youth United, a government-sponsored organisation.

Clive Fenn, leader of the group, founded the colony last November. Mr Fenn, who is also on the Greater Manchester North Scout Council Executive Committee, said: “I’m extremely happy and satisfied with the way everything has gone. I have wanted to do this for years.

“The kids absolutely love it — they can’t wait to come to our meetings every week.”

In addition to the Youth United funding, there was a grant of £200 from the Freemasons Grand Charity, which donates money to support the scouting movement. Both grants were spent on scouting games, equipment and insurance fees.

So far, the beaver scout colony has five new leaders and 12 new members.

Its activities have included celebrating Chinese New Year and making Mother’s Day gifts.

Mr Fenn said: “Our resources have improved significantly. We have lots of fresh blood coming in and a good mix of young and experienced leaders.

“There’s a shortage of scout leaders in the Bolton South area and some leaders are approaching retirement age, so the more young adults we can recruit the better, as they are the future.”

Mr Fenn hopes to eventually have about 20 to 25 members in the beaver scout colony.

The 12th Bolton (Rosehill) Scout Group consists of the beaver colony, a cub pack (ages eight to 10 and a half) and a scout troop (ages 10 and a half to 14) and is part of Bolton South with Farnworth Scout District.

The group meets each Friday in the halls of Rose Hill United Reformed Church, Westbourne Avenue, Great Lever.

Anyone interested in finding out more can call Mr Fenn on 07949 200926.