Marking centenary of Scout movement

9:19am Monday 15th January 2007

YOUNG Scouts in County Durham are launching their centenary year in more ways than one.

The Scout movement is 100 years old this year and to start the year off, thousands of balloons are being launched to spread the word.

Bishop Auckland Scout District, which includes Spennymoor, Sedgefield, Ferryhill and Newton Aycliffe has arranged for a balloon for every one of its members from the youngest Beaver Scout to the oldest leader.

The balloons will be released on Saturday morning, from Ferryhill, one of the highest points in the district.

District Commissioner Ian Johnson said: "Scouting reaches far and wide, just like these balloons.

"We have 18 meetings every week locally for different youngsters."

Other districts in the Scout county will be launching balloons from Darlington, Sunderland and Gateshead.

Mr Johnson said: "While this might be a spectacle in itself, it shows everybody how Scouting is fun and that we will be enjoying ourselves."

More information on the Scouting movement, call 0845- 0944084.