SCOUTS across Oxfordshire are having a double celebration this summer with the arrival of almost £2,500 in grants and the centenary of the Cubs.

Last Wednesday night at the county's annual general meeting, the Masonic Provence of Oxfordshire announced two local groups would receive the windfall.

A total of £1,650 was awarded to the Stonesfield Scout Group to improve access to a nearby wood and river crossing, while Brightwell was given £800 to deliver a joint archery programme with youngsters with additional needs at the Kingfisher School, Abingdon.

Bill Butcher, assistant county commissioner for active support, said for the scouts it had been "a fantastic couple of months - and it's not finished yet."

He said: "The connection with Freemasonry is that we both value the old-fashioned standards and set out to make better citizens.

"The two projects were chosen simply because of how they are going to affect the community.

"The Stonesfield project is for people to be able to go into the woods without having to negotiate all these obstacles, and that makes it more inclusive."

The Brightwell group will be running archery sessions at the Kingfisher School after forging strong links with some of the pupils over the last six months.

Group leader Tim Scane said: "Archery is an activity anyone can engage in at any level. The grant was for some equipment that enables us to train staff to deliver it."

It follows an action-packed weekend for the 28th (Littlemore) cub pack, which joined groups from all over the country in the celebration of 100 years of cub scouts at a 'Cubjam' festival at the end of May.

The cubs - then 'Wolf Cubs - were first created by Scout Movement founder Lotd Baden-Powell in 1916 for boys aged under 11.

About 12 youngsters from the group joined the Wild West-themed event at Gilwell Park, Epping Forest, taking part in games, crafts, swimming and performances.

Littlemore group leader Colin Dolin said the group had had "a whale of a time" and held a special presentation on their return.

He added: "We have about 70 in the Littlemore group at the moment. I think it's a lot more important these days.

"We are all about getting outside and trying new experiences and working together. A lot of kids are stuck at home in front of computers and TVs whereas we are getting them out in the fresh air, doing things with their hands and doing things together, not just on a phone."