A SURGE in scout numbers in Cumbria is helping cement the organisation’s position as the largest youth movement in the country.

The county has the highest growth rate in the north west in the past year with figures showing 254 new Scouts signed up - a 6.9 per cent rise.

In the north west, there are now 57,000 members - 3,975 of them in Cumbria.

Scouting in the South West Lakes region has soared 15 per cent, is up 10.17 per cent in Kentdale and has jumped 2.23 per cent in Eden.

And female membership continues growing with numbers up 12.2 per cent, a leap of 422 per cent since 2001.

Graham White, who leads Scouting in Cumbria, said: “The continued growth of Scouting in Cumbria and the UK is a testament to our adult volunteers who are providing fun, adventure and challenge to our young people.”

Leaders described the county’s Scout expansion - the seventh consecutive year of growth - as ‘impressive’ and said this had helped secure Scouting’s place as the largest co-educational youth movement in the country.

Total UK membership now stands at 525,327 - the highest this century.

The range of activities on offer to young people and opportunities for them to reach their potential through community work are being touted as the reasons for its rising popularity.

A large part of the growth is down to the number of 14-to-18-year-olds - known as Explorer Scouts - who have signed up, a 13.3 per cent jump.

Many of these have also become Young Leaders and work with younger members of the movement, such as Beavers and Cubs.

Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: “More and more young people are realising that Scouting offers them so much - whether it’s the opportunity to go on a big international adventure or the chance to learn and hone vital life skills.

“I am also excited to see so many young people in Cumbria have committed their time to give back as Young Leaders.”

Such is the popularity of Scouting, more volunteers are needed so more youngsters can sign up.

Mr White said for the thousands of people who had already joined, ‘many more’ were missing out on ‘amazing opportunities’ because more adults were needed to support demand.

He added: “We encourage flexible volunteering so everyone can play their part and have fun themselves.”

To find out more about getting involved in Scouting, visit www.scouts.org/volunteer or contact the County Scout Office on 0845-094-6059.