A NEW scout group for children with special needs has been set up in Lostock Hall.

The Bradbury Scout Group, based at the Barnardo's family building, Leyland Road, will be officially unveiled on Wednesday, November 24, by South Ribble Mayor, Councillor Matthew Tomlinson.

It caters for eight to ten year olds, including those with mental or physical disabilities.

Despite having just five cub scout members, club bosses hope to expand the club and buy specialist equipment.

Roy Acomb, group scout leader, said: "There's a real need for this type of group because these kids will find it difficult to fit into mainstream scouting.

"It's something that's been in the pipeline for quite a long time and we're hoping to expand to be able to take on beavers and scouts."

Mr Acomb, who has been involved in scouting in Bamber Bridge, Leyland and and Lostock Hall since 1986, said one young scout with Asperger's Syndrome has improved since joining the club.

He said: "The condition means that they struggle mixing with other people and socialising.

"But he's come on tremendously and we hope that all our members will be able to go onto mainstream scouts.

"We are still in our early days but it's going well and we're really looking forward to the investiture next week."