A NEWLY established Explorer Scout Unit for boys and girls aged 14 to 17 has had an action-packed start.

Having identified that Scouts - boys and girls aged 10 to 14 - wanted to stay involved, a decision was made to set up an Explorer unit in West Hatch.

It started with seven members and has now increased to 15.

Some of the activities the young people have been up to include archery, camp, cooking competition, escape room and film evening.

They have also planned and run an incident hike for the Scouts.

Activities planned for the next few months include another escape room, backwoods cooking, Christmas camp and a night hike.

Dave, one of the unit volunteers, said: “Setting up the unit has given the young people the chance to develop as individuals, given them new opportunities and they have been able to make new friends.

"They will also learn and develop new skills around team working, leadership, commitment and social skills.”

He added that the motto for the unit is, 'Griffin Explorers; make friends, have fun and learn new skills'.

If you are interested in knowing more about Scouts, visit www.scouts.org.uk/join