PARENTS are so desperate to get their children into a popular Guides group that they are registering them when they are born.

The Rainbows groups in Witney, which caters for girls aged five to seven, is so popular thatsome of the girls are too old by the time there is a space for them to join.

Now Rainbow leaders are hoping to create a new group at newly-opened Madley Park Hall in Northfields Farm Lane, but they need volunteers to help.

Witney is split into two girl guiding districts. Witney II has two Rainbow groups but Witney I has none.

Witney I district commissioner Susan Wass said: “We would like to start a group because we have not got one.

“We had one previously but it had to close because the leaders stopped doing it. We have been without one for five or six years.

“We have lots wanting to join and there are waiting lists.”

The new group would cater for 15 girls and would take youngsters from the current waiting list. It would run for one hour on one evening a week and would feature crafts, story-telling, drama, music and games.

To start it would need at least two volunteer leaders, who would be offered training and be CRB-checked for free.

Mrs Wass said: “We are looking for someone who loves children and who is quite outgoing.

“They will meet new people and make new friends. Guiding is a family-based organisation.”

Witney II district commissioner Tracy Garwood backed the new group.

She said: “We are really desperate for volunteers and leaders to help us.

“We have always been short of leaders but at the moment there is a real shortage.”

She said there were at least 50 girls currently on the waiting list, adding: “The list is probably about one and a half years long.”

To volunteer as a leader for the new Rainbow group, contact Mrs Wass on 01993 775927.