OXFORD’S top Scout says the movement is in desperate need of adult help.

Val Butcher, district commissioner for the Oxford Spires Scout district, urged people to help out as the movement enjoys a rise in popularity among youngsters.

The Scout Association has launched the Scout Active Support scheme to encourage adults to play a role in the movement without having to commit to regular attendance.

Mrs Butcher said: “Scouting is thriving but is desperately short of adult help.

“By joining Scout Active Support, people with some time to offer, however little, will be able to help.

“This can be either at a section for young people or at a district event.

“The scheme allows people to help without having to join a particular Scout group.”

Roles can include filling in for leaders or helping with charity events at a time which suits the individual.

Mrs Butcher added: “The time commitment can be as much or as little as the person wants, anything from perhaps an hour a week helping in one of the sections for a period of time during a leader shortage, to helping once or twice a year at particular events. Control will be in their hands.”

Scouting in Oxford and the county has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, with about 5,000 youngsters now regularly taking part.

In 2009, the city got its first new Scout group in 20 years when the 54th Oxford (Ansar) troop opened at the East Oxford Sports Hall, in Collins Street.

The appointment that year of television survival expert Bear Grylls as Chief Scout has been hailed as giving a boost to attendance figures.

New volunteers will be given membership of the Scout Association and be offered the opportunity to undergo training.

A spokesman for the Scout Association said: “Scout Active Support is for anyone over the age of 18.

“There’s no requirement to have been involved in Scouting before joining.

“All that’s required is a willingness to volunteer some time to support the movement.

“The ways that Scout Active Support can support Scouting are endless, and we would urge anybody wanting to take part to get in contact.”

For more details, call Mrs Butcher on 01865 841817 or see oxonscouting.org.uk