A RECORD breaking year was celebrated when the Wharfedale Scout District annual meeting took place at Curly Hill Campsite in Ilkley.

During the last year the district has seen the the trend of increasing numbers of young people and adults getting involved in the movement.

The number of adults (leaders and supporters) in the District is now 301, an increase of 18 per cent over the previous year and 105 per cent since 2012.

The numbers of young people has grown to 934, an increase of ten per cent on 2016 and 18 per cent since 2012.

Alan Pratt District Commissioner said: "We are sure you will all agree this is fantastic. Yet we still face the challenge of bringing Scouting to more young people as despite opening a new Group the waiting lists in the Ilkley area continue to be at significant levels. The numbers suggest we could open two more Beaver Colonies and still not meet all the need.

"Increasing the number of young people joining will mean we need new adult leaders. This will be a major focus for the next year.

"Over the past 12 months, our hugely committed volunteers have worked tremendously hard to increase opportunities across our District. We should be incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the past twelve months. Without doubt, there is now even more opportunity for our young people and adult volunteers to come together, make new friends, experience new challenges and most importantly, have fun as a Scouting family. Most noticeably, the growth in numbers has been unilateral across our District with many groups increasing their numbers across the individual sections signifying a general trend of growth across Wharfedale. Not only great news for Scouting but also for our local communities here in Wharfedale."

The AGM also saw Special Distinguished Silver Acorn service Awards presented to Stan and Lin Burgess and Marilyn Jennings.

Assistant District Commissioners (ADC) new to the District were welcomed. Assisting the District in moving towards Scouting's vision for 2018 are District Youth Commissioners Corey Woodhouse and Matt Phillips, who are ambassadors for Youth Shaped Scouting. Maz Jennings was thanked for her 12 years of work with the Cub Section and Alison Duckmanton was welcomed into the ADC Cub role, as was new ADC for Communications, David Shaw.

Finally, thanks was extended to all the Commissioners, Executive Members, Leaders and Supporters for all they do to support and develop Scouting in the Wharfedale District.

Mr Pratt added: "As we all know, it's the combination of the talent and commitment of all our Scouting family that makes Scouting here in Wharfedale what it is today - we are proud of our achievements, respectful of our past and enthusiastic about our future.

"We can all be rightly proud of what we have done in the name of Scouting in 2016/17. Whatever part we played, we did it together.

"We hope to experience more success in the Scouting year ahead."