Scout party takes off

9:51am Tuesday 23rd January 2007

YOUNG Scouts celebrated their group's ballooning numbers and 100 years of Scouting at the weekend.

Members of Bishop Auckland Scout District released 300 balloons on Saturday, to mark the centenary of the scouting movement.

Each balloon represented a member of the troop, and were released from Ferryhill on a breezy morning with the hope that they will carry the scouting message far and wide.

District commissioner Ian Johnson said: "It was dark when we started, but the team worked well together and we were finished with plenty of time to spare. Every one of our 19 training sections and our scout fellowship came along to see the balloons off.

"It was a great sight and a tremendous start to the year."

The local Scout district has seen its numbers increase over recent years, and members will be taking part in a number of special activities to mark the centenary throughout the year.

More information on the Scout movement in the local area can be obtained from Ian Johnson on 0845-0944-084 or by emailing bishopauckland@ durhamscouts.org.uk