Youngsters wanting to become scouts in the Didcot area could find the door closed because of a shortage of leaders at every level, including cubs and beavers.

The worst leadership crisis for years has also left Didcot District Scout Association without a District Commissioner and chairman. At the annual meeting on June 5, Adrienne Neal is resigning as secretary of the association executive committee, along with her husband David as the association's public relations officer.

There are seven Scout groups in the Didcot area including Harwell, East Hagbourne and the Sinodun Venture Scouts, which cater for a total of 220 Scouts, Venture Scouts, cubs and beavers.

Mrs Neal said: "They all have tremendous waiting lists - so long that many young people will never be able to join.

"Groups cannot take on beavers at the age of six unless we can be sure there are places for them to move up to the cubs and then the Scouts."

Scout leaders estimate that with more leaders they could cater for double and treble their numbers.

This month, the 12th Didcot Sea Scouts was formed at All Saints' Community Hall, Tamar Way, Ladygrove, for cubs and beavers who were previously attached to the 23rd Didcot.

More leaders as well as helpers - particularly parents - were urgently needed to start a Scout troop and a additional groups on new estates at Ladygrove.

For nearly a year, the busy County Commissioner Tim Kidd has been acting Didcot District Commissioner following the resignation of Ann Cooper.

Mrs Neal, who tried unsuccessfully to stand down at last year's annual meeting, said: "Unless people come forward to offer their services and time, I don't know what the future of the association will be."

Mr Kidd said anyone willing to help with running local groups could call 01235 535532.