SCOUTING is becoming more popular in Notts - with the movement celebrating its biggest member increase for nearly 40 years.

Some 143 new members joined the scouts in Notts this year – the biggest growth spurt since 1972.

And a large part of this growth is due to record numbers of 14 to 18-year-olds in the central Notts and Rushcliffe areas joining.

This is the fastest-growing age group with 62 new members in the last year, up 30% on 2009. There are now around 270 (28% of whom are female) teenagers in Scouting in these areas.

West Bridgford Explorer Scout Rhys Bean, 16, from West Bridgford, who has been a Scout since he was nine, said: "Scouting's awesome. I totally love being involved. You get to do so many amazing activities that you just wouldn't get to do elsewhere. It's great – I'd definitely encourage others to join."

Overall scouting in Notts has grown 1.8% since January 2009, helping total UK membership reach 499,323.

Notts has also seen a rise in adult leaders with 1509 in 2008 to 1551 this year.

The association is looking for more adult volunteers as the waiting-list for young people is at an all-time high.

Matt Rooney, deputy head of the Notts Scouts said: "I'm really proud that Nottinghamshire Scouts has been growing consistently for the last six years.

"Scouting is having a huge effect on the lives of children and young people and adults in all communities. We have 344 youngsters that could start Scouting tomorrow if we had more volunteers."

Anyone interested should visit https://members. scouts.org.uk/join.