FORMED during the aftermath of the First World War, an almost century-old Scout group could be about to lose its youngest members unless people step forward to help out.

Didcot 23rd Scouts is desperate to keep two groups going for the younger members of the association, Beavers and Cubs.

But if they do not fill the current leaders' shoes by February half term the plug will be pulled on the weekly sessions for six to eight-year-olds and eight to 10-year-olds.

Falling numbers meant the group could not organise a Christmas postal service last month, which has been running since 1981.

Volunteer Anita Smith became involved with the Beavers when her 13-year-old son, Jamie, started seven years ago.

She said: "I have been involved a long time and I have seen how wonderful and inclusive the groups can be.

"My son is autistic and they have treated him as they would any child.

"It is just an amazing opportunity to do something different and it would be awful if it had to be taken away from these youngsters just because we could not get a leader for them.

"It teaches them confidence, out door skills, they have the opportunity to go camping - it is just amazing."

Although the Beaver and Cub groups are under threat, the Scout group currently safe as it has two leaders in post.

Scouting swept the nation in 1907 but it was not until 1916 that Beaver Scouts were introduced so that younger children could also join in.

Didcot 23rd Scouts was first established in the 1920s by the vicar at All Saint's Church and the group has a rich history in serving the community most notably at Remembrance Day and St George's Day.

Group Scout leader Marion Fountain has been involved with Didcot 23rd since 1969 said it would be such a shame for the two youngest groups to be axed.

She said: "Unfortunately no one has got the time these days, what with people working longer hours.

"It is a great extra-curricular activity where they can learn all sorts of skills.

"We need to get more people interested in leading these two groups.

"I was worrying all over Christmas about it."

But Mrs Fountain said that flexible Scouting has been introduced so the sessions did not have to fall on the same night every week.

She added: "The sessions do not have to be held every Friday.

"It could be different days and not necessarily every week, but it would mean that the groups could continue if a few people could come forward and commit to becoming a leader."

There are three other Scout groups in Didcot: 15th Didcot, 12th Didcot and 22nd Didcot.

To volunteer email Mrs Fountain on: mick.fountain@virgin.net