A SCOUT group may have to be wound up -after 21 years.

The 25th St Helens Billinge unit needs more volunteers to look after the children.

The group, based at Billinge Methodist Church, Main Street, comprises a Beaver Colony, Cub Pack, Scout Troop and a Venture Unit, involving more than 70 youngsters aged between six and 20. However, there are currently not nearly enough leaders and helpers and unless more volunteers can be found before they meet up again in September, the unit will have to close.

Gordon Betteley, chairman of the Billinge Scout Group, said: "Without the unit, how are these young people going to occupy their time? There is a lack of facilities in Billinge already and if we allow this unit to close, we can all be classed as irresponsible towards the welfare of Billinge's youth."

If the unit does have to close, they will also have to return the community mini-bus which they bought in 1997 with £26,000 of National Lottery funding.

Gordon added: "The mini-bus has disabled facilities and is used by other community organisations as well, but we would have to return it to the National Lottery if we closed. We have also acquired a large number of other items including tents, kitchen facilities, canoes and abseiling equipment which would be lost to the people of Billinge.

"All we want are people with a bit of time on their hands willing to volunteer as assistant leaders or helpers to make sure this popular unit remains open to the youth of Billinge."

Anyone interested or requiring further details can contact Les Rowe on (01744) 603395.