WINCHESTER Scouts have won the award for highest growth over the past three years.

Chris Floyd, assistant district commissioner and Tom Fisher, Jäger Network, travelled to Scout Summit17 at Warwick University to receive the Award from Steve Backshall, the BBC Presenter, and other commissioners.

Over the past four years, the 12 groups that comprise Winchester Scouts have increased the number of places for young people by 50 per cent from 782 to 1,177.

Over the same period the increase in adult volunteers has been a staggering 155 per cent, up from 176 to 450.

The story behind these award-winning rates of growth is a strategy based on a trinity of partnerships with primary schools that recognise the significance of DfE sponsored research on character by doing and learning by doing.

It includes flexible volunteering with six parent leaders per section; and support from neighbouring scout groups. Stephen Parker, district commissioner, said: “This national award celebrates the enthusiasm and inspiration of Winchester’s leaders, exec members and parents.

“They provide exciting and adventurous activities that change young people’s lives from all backgrounds.

“We now have 20 per cent of all six-eight year olds in Scouts. Every young person who wants to be a Beaver or a Cub Scout, should have a place.”