A POPULAR scout group faces a race against time to recruit new helpers — or it could be forced to close some of its sections.

Prestwich 8th Scouts is based at St Margaret's Community Centre in St Margaret's Road and provides weekly activities for 80 children.

But four adult volunteers are set to leave in the next few months and leaders are on the hunt for replacements, fearing that sections of the group could close otherwise.

Dave Clarke, who is the group scout leader, has been helping at the group for 24 years.

He said: "We have a very popular group and there is even a waiting list for our cubs group.

"We are very grateful to the people who come to help out but, as is common with any scout group, from time to time they leave and it can’t be helped, but we would struggle to keep the groups open if we do not get replacements in."

Two of the departing volunteers help with the cubs group, which has 24 children aged eight to ten on its books.

The other two volunteers who will be leaving look after the scouts and explorers, which has 25 members aged 10 to 14.

Mr Clarke said: "Becoming a volunteer is very rewarding.

"It is quite common for people to get involved and then say a few months later how much they love the scouts and how much they get from it."

He added: "Full training is provided and volunteers can learn new skills such as leadership, orienteering, football coaching.

"You need to be committed and willing to give up a fair bit of time, but the rewards make it worthwhile. We’re a really close-knit group."

Anyone interested should visit 8thprestwichscoutgroup.org.uk to find out more and for contact details for Mr Clarke.