ONE of East Lancashire's oldest cub packs could fold if two new leaders do not come forward.

An appeal for volunteers was made in this month's Around the Spire church magazine for St Anne's Turton.

The 1st Turton pack was formed as a scout group in 1948 and expanded to incorporate cubs and beavers groups some years later.

And St Anne's vicar Reverend Martin Short today said it would be "a sad loss to the community" if the 1st Turton cub pack -- which caters for 20 to 24 children -- had to shut down because no one wanted to take over.

Jim Wood, group leader for the 1st Turton scouts, cub, beaver and explorer scouts, urged people to give up some of their free time to save the group.

He said: "The dedication and hard work of the cub leaders has made it possible for lots of boys to enjoy a wide variety of activities and events over the past year. However, work and family commitments mean that we need new leaders.

"We only need 90 minutes a week from you and not necessarily every week. How long do you spend watching TV each week?

"Everyone enjoys and benefits from living in a thriving village and the cub pack is a vital part of that community."

Volunteers will not need experience to become a leader as they will be given training and continuous support.

Mr Short said: "It is a full pack and has been running for quite a long time which is one of the reasons it makes its possible closure a sad thing.

"It needs a minimum of two leaders."

The group meets on Tuesday evenings at the Barlow Institute, Bolton Road, Edgworth, from 6.45pm to 8.15pm.

Leaders are also needed for the scout group which meets between 7.30pm and 9.15pm on Tuesdays.

To help out or to find out more about what helping out would involve can contact Mr Wood on 01204 852973.