ONE of the longest-established Beaver Scout groups in Chorley may have to disband if it cannot find a leader.

The Beaver section of Hollinshead Street Scouts has been operating without a leader for almost a year since the last one left.

Now the chairman of the group, Barrie Robins, has appealed for someone to step in and fill the gap.

The Beavers is the first step for youngsters aged from eight to 10 who want to go on and join the Cubs and Scouts. It offers a variety of activities including crafts.

Mr Robins said there are boys waiting to join but unless a leader is found it may be the end of the road for the Beavers.

"At the moment it's in limbo. The boys who were members when we had a leader were taken into the bottom section of the Cubs and we have been running it with the Cub leader," he said.

"But now they are old enough to join the Cubs and we need to keep the Beaver section going.

"It's the start of membership and it tends to boost the other levels further up. Each section seems to feed the next one up. It's imperative to get the youngsters interested at that age."

The group meets on Friday nights at the United Reform Church, Hollinshead Street, and training will be provided by the scout movement once a leader is found so no previous experience is needed.

"We were the first group to set up a Scout organisation in the area and one of the first to set up a Beaver section about 15 years ago," said Mr Robins.

"We are getting loads and loads of people wanting to join the Beavers."

Anyone interested in the vacancy should call Barrie Robins on 01257 269492, or write to him at Hollinshead Street Scout Group, United Reform Church, Hollinshead Street, Chorley.