Volunteer call as Jersey Scouts waiting list grows

Dwayne Fields, right, became chief scout on 6 September

About 100 young people are unable to join the Scouts in Jersey due to a lack of volunteers, according to officials.

The Jersey Scout Association said it had more than 800 members, 30 young leaders and 120 adult volunteers.

However, it said the waiting list to join its groups had reached triple figures because they needed more adults to help run them.

Glen Militis, the organisation's lead volunteer, said he hoped the appointment of explorer Dwayne Fields as chief scout would have a "positive impact" and encourage people to join or volunteer.

Dwayne Fields was described as an "inspirational" character by Jersey Scout Association lead volunteer Glen Militis

Mr Fields, the first black Briton to reach the North Pole, took over the role on 6 September from fellow explorer Bear Grylls and was described by Mr Militis as an inspiring character.

"Across the UK and Jersey, there is a waiting list of young people who want to join, so hopefully Dwayne will have a positive impact both on young people wanting to join as well as adults," he added.

"We have a waiting list of about 100 young people which we're struggling to fulfil as we're struggling for volunteers."

Anyone interested in joining or volunteering should visit the organisation's website.