A FORMER scouting volunteer has admitted raping a young girl - and been warned he faces a long jail sentence.

Michael Drinkwater, of Exchange Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to the offence and a string of other sex offences against two 13-year-old girls.

One sexual assault was committed at Bowley Scout Camp, Great Harwood, but three rapes and another assault were committed away from the site.

Drinkwater was not a scout leader at the time of the offences but was a member of the Scouting Fellowship, which offers support to the scouting network.

He pleaded guilty to three charges of rape and one of assault by penetration against a 13-year-old girl. One charge of sexual assault related to another young girl, at the scout camp. All offences took place between March 2005 and January this year At Burnley Crown Court Drinkwater, 36, was remanded in custody until June for a pre-sentence report. He was ordered to sign the sex offenders register.

Judge Beverley Lunt told him: "You must understand a lengthy prison sentence is inevitable. There is no alternative."

After the hearing, DC Lyndsey Molloy said the offences had a "massive impact" on Drinkwater's victims.

She said: "They just wanted the truth to come out. They have been through a tremendous amount. I'm delighted he has admitted what he has done and he will be sent to prison for a long time."

As soon as the allegations came to light earlier this year the Scouting Association banned Drinkwater from any contact with anyone from the movement.

A spokesman said: "The Scout Association condemns the actions of Drinkwater. He has betrayed the trust placed in him by parents, by other volunteers and by the Scout Movement.

"There is no place in the Scouts for anyone who abuses that trust or seeks to harm young people.

"The association has co-operated with the statutory agencies to help them with their inquiries.

"Action was taken to prevent Drinkwater's involve-ment with the movement as soon as the allegation was reported."

He added: "The Scout Association carries out stringent vetting of all adults who work with young people and requires them to work to strict guidelines outlined in its Young People First Code of Good Practice.