SCOUTS are branching out in the Easingwold area with expansion plans and the appointment of their first president for more than 70 years.

David Kenworthy, a deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire and former Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police, has taken up his role as president of Easingwold Scout District.

A former Scout, Mr Kenworthy was welcomed by Cubs from the 1st Easingwold Pack where his first task was to present the trophy for the evening’s smartest Cub.

“I am delighted to be re-joining Scouting at a time when the movement is growing and changing to help more boys and girls to become active citizens,” he said.

“Scouting is the longest-standing youth service in the Easingwold area and I look forward to helping its volunteers achieve even more in the future.

“I want people to know that Scouting is an amazing benefit to the community.”

Mr Kenworthy’s appointment comes after a pledge by local scouting managers to boost the movement’s community impact and to get more young people from all backgrounds involved in shaping the world they live in.

“Scouting has never been more relevant for young people,” said Easingwold’s new district commissioner Andrew Garner. “They love the fun and the adventure and the things they learn.

“We are serious about providing exciting opportunities for more young people and more adult volunteers in the Easingwold area and we are honoured to have Mr Kenworthy as district president to help us to spread that message.”

The area’s three Scout groups, 1st Easingwold, 1st Kyle Valley in Tholthorpe and 1st Moxby Moor in Huby, provide activities each week for more than 200 six to 14-year-olds with an Explorer Scout unit for older teenagers.

They are supported by a team of 50 volunteers ranging from uniformed leaders to occasional helpers and committee members.

Mr Garner said he hoped to open more scout groups in the area soon and he encouraged adults who could give an hour or two of their time to phone him on 0845 4960249.