Cub Scout and Beaver groups are in crisis and could face closure if new leaders do not come forward.

1st Cheam Scouts has been running for 85 years but the end could be near for many of the group's members because there are not enough leaders to run the Cub and Beaver divisions.

Organisers say they urgently need two volunteers to lead Cub Scout groups, for eight- to 11-year-olds on Mondays and Thursdays and a leader to run Beavers, for eight- to 10-year-olds on a Friday evening.

Jon Long, group Scout leader for 1st Cheam Scouts, said: "We desperately need people to come forward.

"It's voluntary and it's for people to do as much or as little as they like - they just need to have the desire to keep the service running for the young people of Cheam.

"The group isn't sustainable if we can't get some adults to come forward and help. It will mean 40 young people in Cheam will miss out.

"Scouting has been around since the early 1900s and has always provided young people with an outlet outside the normal educational curriculum to learn, to enjoy things outdoors, to work together to form friendships and learn life skills.

"We need people to help us keep this going."

Mr Long particularly appealed to those among the thousands who have been a part of 1st Cheam Scouts over the years.

For more information visit 1stcheamscouts.co.uk.