A POPULAR scout camp is closing after more than 50 years.

The campsite at Hulton Park, Over Hulton, has been host to thousands of scouts, cubs, beavers and guides as an annual retreat for group outings.

It is set to move to Heath Charnock, near Chorley, after the lease agreement on the site, which had been kept minimal for the scouts, increased after the death of the landowner.

The late Sir Geoffrey Hulton, who owned the site, had generously leased out the venue to the scouts for a peppercorn rent.

Scout leaders could not afford the increased rent at the end of the 21 year-old lease, and located new premises at Bibby's Farm.

Wooden huts on the 28-acre plot, which were used as bases by the scouts, have also been targeted by arsonists.

One fire destroyed camp site buildings -- just hours after a major facelift was completed.

The final licks of paint had only just been applied to the structures after another arson attack a year earlier.

The camp had originally been Sir Geoffrey's home, but after he moved to a nearby cottage, the grounds of the property were leased to the scouts.

Hulton Park has been host to some of the largest scouting events in the region, such as the 1990 Bolton Jamboree, which attracted more than 600 scouts and 1000 cubs.

Scout leaders are now organising a closing weekend camp next month when more than 600 scouts and cubs will visit the site off Newbrook Road.

Ex-scouts are being asked to attend to reminisce about their time at the site.

Ex-scouts need a permit to attend the Hulton Park camp on Saturday, September 18 between 2 and 5pm and they can be obtained from local scout districts.