A SCOUT troop which kept going through two world wars may now have to close because there are not enough leaders.

The 4th Leigh Scout Troop - founded in 1916 at Christ Church, Pennington - is the oldest surviving registered scout troop in Leigh. But the camp fires may have to go out for good at Christmas.

"The Scouts currently have some 12 beavers, with about 13 on the waiting list, 12 cubs, 10 scouts and 4 ventures," said John Steer, the 4th Leigh Scout leader.

Heather James, the acting cub leader, left in October leaving Diane Isherwood, Paul Stubbs and Mr Steer to manage and provide stimulating programmes for all these young people.

"By working as a team, we have managed to provide encouragement and a meaningful, exciting programme for the youth of the parish, but this cannot continue for much longer for legal and practical reasons," added Mr Steer.

"Without more help from the Parish, the entire Group will close at Christmas."

Mr Steer added that scouting was concerned with the moral, physical and spiritual development of young people and has a long standing and close association with Christ Church and the town.

"A vicar formed the original troop and successive vicars continued this involvement for over 50 years, with the Reverend Parkinson being the last Group Scout Leader up to about 1970.

"The town connection has also been maintained over the years, with scout help for Leigh Civic Trust, donations to Leigh and Pendlebury Children's hospital, the fire brigade's Romanian appeal and friends of Pennington Gardens, together with public service at various local old people's homes and clubs and Pennington country Park."

Within the last ten years the scouts have been high achievers winning the country 'challenge' trophy two years on the trot, the district 'top troop' trophy for three years running and this year have already won the First Aid and fishing competitions. In 1998 nine scouts and leaders flew to Kandersteg International Scout Camp site in Switzerland, for 10 days cycling, hiking and climbing, but all this adventure could stop soon if no new leader come forward.

"If you are an adult, enjoy working with young people and are prepared to give up a few hours a week for voluntary service in the parish, then you have most of what it takes," appealed Mr Steer. "We are looking for leaders at every level from assistant Beaver leader through to group Scout leader."

The Beavers need one leader for six children and there should be no less than two adults a meeting elsewhere. If you need training, district teams are available to help, not forgetting existing leaders of course. If you feel you can contribute please contact the vicar, Rev Peter Leakey or Mr Steer at Church House on Mondays.

But the crisis does not end there!

The Brownies (with 28 members) are set to close this Christmas too as there is only one leader, and without Brownies it will be difficult for Rainbow (consisting of 10 girls) who also only have one leader, to continue. The Guides have been closed for eight years due to an absence of leaders, so presently girls leaving Brownies have nowhere to go in the movement at Pennington.

"At times one despairs at the lack of interest in young people by people who seem so quick to complain about the lack of Christian/community values in today's society!" said Mr Steer.

"There is a great camaraderie between all the scouting/guiding leaders and it will be a shame for this group to fail. Nationally scouting/guiding is actually expanding, due to new programmes over the last few years, held back only by lack of leaders - the girls and boys are there.

"The young people, the organisation and the need are there, we just need you!"