A SCOUT troop is reforming 10 years after it closed.

In the 1990s the number of boys wanting to join the Scouts in Stratton was waning, so the two local groups were joined together.

But now so many youngsters have been clamouring to learn how to tie knots and make fires that the 2nd Stratton Scout group will be meeting again in September.

Cubs and Beavers from the 2nd Stratton Group, based at St Philip's Church hall, have had to join troops further away when they got too old for their clubs, but from September 6 they will have their own weekly meetings to go to.

The 2nd Stratton group leader Stuart Hitch said he couldn't wait for the new troop to start up.

"There used to be a Scout troop about 10 years ago, but the numbers were dropping and it wasn't worth running two separate groups," said Stuart.

"The Cubs and Beavers kept running but 1st Stratton is now doing extremely well. The scouts, have become extremely popular again recently and with this year marking 100 years of scouting it seemed like the perfect time to start 2nd Stratton up again."

Around 10 2nd Stratton cubs are already gearing up to join the new Scouts for the first meeting and several more youngsters are also expected to join.

"There are a few cubs who are getting a bit old for it and have been keen to move up for a while," said Stuart. "But we'll be welcoming anyone aged 10 to 14 who wants to join.

"We'll take everyone who wants to come along. It might be a bit of a shock if 30 youngsters turn up on the first night, but I'm sure we'll cope."

The Scouts will also be joined by new leader James Kent.

"It is really exciting to be leading a brand new group," said James.

"Especially in Scouting's 100th year, it is good to see that it is just as popular as ever. In fact it seems to be even more popular these days than a few years ago."

Although the 2nd Stratton Scouts will be allowing girls to join, the troop will be sticking to Lord Baden Powell's traditional values.

"The best thing about the Scouts is making friends and learning some new skills which is what it has always been about," added James.

The 2nd Stratton Scouts will be meeting at St Philip's church hall every Thursday from September 6. Any boys or girls aged 10 to 14 wanting to join up should call Stuart Hitch on 07920 156190.