Scouting in Preston is one of the fastest growing clubs in the UK.

More than 2,000 boys and girls are now on the books as the scouting group has become the second-fastest growing in the country.

Preston Scouts have recently started the 1st Deepdale Scout Group alongside the 10th Fulwood Scout Group.

Leader volunteer in Preston Andrew Hobson said: “Scouting is all about bringing young people together, our growth is not just essential to helping more people get a better start in life.

“By welcoming more people from different background we can help young people and adults together to play a positive role in their communities.”

The Scout Association has updated its figures about the size of memberships and Preston is also seeing a surge in volunteers.

Leader volunteer for growth Jon Minshull said: “Over the last 13 years we have seen the Scouting grow in West Lancashire by more than 4,000 members with 3,000 of those being young people.” He continued: “Our continued growth has been achieved by the fantastic teams of volunteers who continue give their time flexibly to provide fun, challenge and adventure across our communities.”

The city’s scout group is part of the West Lancashire scouts, which is on track to reach 14,000 members by 2018.

Read more: Scouts across Preston have a new chief

West Lancashire county commissioner Steve Morton said: “To grow for 13 consecutive years across all eight districts is fantastic and reflects the growing popularity of the Scouting movement nationally. In only 12 months we have seen a large increase in in membership from ethnic minorities and Eastern European communities and experienced the fastest growing youth membership across the north west.

“To meet this demand we’re already planning to open 20 new sections this year and would love to attract more adult volunteers to work with our young people.

“Through our activities we are equipping young people with skills for life such as teamwork, leadership, independence and decision making. We offer an exciting and varied programme, ranging from health education, visits to observatories and fire stations through to canoeing in Greenland, trekking across Mongolia, skiing in Scotland, climbing a first mountain and all things in between.”